Take the Big Step challenge and help Age Cymru support older people across Wales

Age Cymru is inviting people of all ages across Wales, to take part in its Big Step challenge this September and raise vital funds for the charity’s Advice service and its Telephone Befriending.  

Participants are being encouraged to set themselves an individual goal and know they’ll be contributing their miles or steps to the charity’s overall challenge to walk the circumference of Wales. And, at the same time, the charity says the fundraisers will be helping older people who are facing unprecedented challenges right now.  

The charity’s supporters are being invited to use sections of the Wales Coast Path and/or the historic Offa’s Dyke Trail. Or they may simply do their steps at home by walking around their garden, taking their dog for a walk, or taking their grandchildren to school.    

All Age Cymru asks is that supporters record their step total or mileage and collect as much sponsorship as possible. And if supporters raise at least £50 they will be given a free event t-shirt by the charity.  

The Big Step challenge is being supported by Sky Cares and Ogi. 

Age Cymru’s chief executive Victoria Lloyd says: “I am incredibly proud of the help and support that Age Cymru staff and volunteers provide to older people across Wales.   

“We’re asking you to become part of that broader team by helping us raise funds to make sure our services continue to be there for older people when they need us most. Your support can make the difference.   

“This is our biggest ever Wales-wide fundraising drive and it’s never been more needed.  I would urge you to join us in helping to create an age friendly Wales.” 

For more information on how to join the Big Step challenge for free, and how to join the community group on Facebook, visit: www.agecymru.org.uk/thebigstep   

or call 029 2043 1555. 

Notes to editors  

£10 could be used to answer an advice enquiry 

£15 could be used to support two friendship calls 

 Key statistics for older people in Wales 2021-22: 

• Age Cymru Advice handled more than 31,500 enquiries, with a third of the calls about money and benefits 
• An estimated 120,000 older people in Wales are living in poverty 
• 80,000 households in Wales that are eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it
•  The charity’s Friendship Service made nearly 12,000 telephone calls to more than 550 older people across Wales.
• 220,000 older people in Wales report feeling lonely
• 330,000 older people in Wales claim a few minutes of conversation would make a huge difference to their week.

Walking the circumference of Wales  

To walk the circumference of Wales would take two million steps or 1,047 miles, which is roughly the equivalent of walking from: Cardiff to Rome, Swansea to Oslo, Wrexham to Vienna, Newport to Monaco, Caernarfon to Madrid, or Haverfordwest to Prague.  

From our supporters 

Claire Du Preez, Communities Programme Manager, Sky says “Sky is proud to sponsor Age Cymru’s Big Step, helping to bring people together to take action and raise vital funds and awareness. Our dedicated Sky Cares programme is committed to tackling loneliness and making positive connections in the communities where we live and work, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Age Cymru to achieve this goal. We encourage everyone to take on the Big Step challenge towards a more age friendly Wales.”  

 Lisa Hand, Ogi’s People Experience Director said: “Here at Ogi our communities play a huge part in our work, they are, quite literally at the heart of all we do. As one of our charity partners this year, we couldn’t wait to get behind Age Cymru’s Big Step – taking on the challenge whilst enjoying some of our wonderful Welsh scenery. We hope people right across Wales will get involved and raise vital funds to help Age Cymru continue their valuable work.”