GWENT MG OWNERS CLUB

Daffodil Walk in Aid of the
St. David's Foundation

13th March 2010

With the sun shining it was decided to travel to Cwmcarn Forest Drive with the hood down and only wearing two fleece jumpers. At the registration point we were warmly welcomed by the St David’s Foundation representatives, being offered free hot drinks, bottled water and bananas. Come 1000hrs and with our group complete we set off on our trek being adopted by one lady who had asked if she could join us as she was on her own. “Donna”, was welcomed and spent the majority of the walk with Jane who chatted quite happily, seeming like long lost friends, stopping occasionally for a break as Donna supported herself with a walking stick and was obviously not very fit but pushed on regardless during the slight incline ascent. Our group, registered as the “Gwent MGOC Walker’s” spaced out slightly on the uphill climb with the leaders waiting on the plateau for the others to catch up. Sylvia plodded on well under the watchful eye of Haydn, stopping only occasionally to light up a cigarette.

On the descent we stopped off on a bridge to watch the mountain bikers speed past us on the slalom and a photo opportunity. Haydn’s eye’s lit up at this point as there were a few sheep behind him on the hill. We must get him out more to socialise with humans not animals all the time.

Passing the lake and with the visitor centre in sight, we took the opportunity for a group photo. Not wanting to miss out I instructed the group to sit down as I would use the self-timer mode. Setting the camera to 12 seconds I ran back to take my position, the seconds passed and what seemed hours, the little red light did not show. With smiles dropping and a torrent of ear bashing I returned to the camera and as one bright spark mentioned, pressed the button I earlier missed.

Photo taken we returned to the registration point to mark our safe return, pick up our “Thank You” certificates and distribute my little “Attendance Plaques” which were so good that I thought little Liam threw straight into the bin. I hasten to add he did not but probably will once home. Wouldn’t blame him if he did.

At this point Donna left us after thanking us for our company and “hoped to see us again next year” It transpired that Donna has terminal cancer. We too, hope to see Donna again and she wins her battle against cancer with the passion and determination she showed today.

Chatting over a cuppa, we had a whip round and am extremely pleased to say that the “Gwent MGOC Walkers” consisting of Lorraine, Katy, Haydn, Tony, Jane, Darren, Stephen, his grandson Liam, Sylvia and myself raised £120.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Pound), with one member being exceptionally generous.

The event over, some of us went home whilst Tony, Jane, Darren, Sylvia and myself carried on the day with a trip to Barry for fish and chips.

To those that participated today I would like to say it has been an honour and privilege to know you, don’t tell the wife but I am extremely proud of her too. Then again tell her, it may get me a few smarty points.

Till the next time……