A RECORD 378 walkers stepped out for charity beside the River Wye in beautiful sunshine at the weekend.

The 11th annual Monmouth Rotary ‘Walk the Wye’ fundraiser in aid of breast cancer research saw ramblers aged from seven to their 70s go the extra mile on Sunday (May 12), with sponsorship set to take the event’s total amount past the £100,000 mark.

Walkers had a ch-oice of seven routes ranging from two to 15 miles between Chepstow and Lydbrook, all finishing at Monmouth Showground.

And event spokesman Norman Williams said: “We couldn’t have asked for better weather, it was superb, and we’re delighted with the record turnout which was about 30 more than we’ve ever had, and how it all went.

“We normally make between £10,000 and £12,000 from sponsorship and entry money, and we were just £500 short of the £100,000 mark before Sunday, so we’ve definitely topped that and hopefully we’ll go over £110,000.

“About 25 Rotary members from Monmouth, Chepstow and Ross-on-Wye marshalled the course and lots of the walkers congratulated us on how the event was organised, which is always pleasing.”

Michelle Whiting dressed the part completely kitted out in pink, including pink hair and a pink hat, as she walked from Tintern to Monmouth with sons Peter and Luke.

“This is my 10th Walk the Wye, which used to be called ‘In the Pink’, and I wear pink every year. It’s a lovely day and a beautiful walk.”

Age couldn’t slow down Joan Burley, 73, from Monmouth, who joined daughter Sue Cornish, and said: “This is my eighth or ninth walk. As long as my legs keep going, I’ll just keep walking. I can’t believe the weather, it’s amazing, sunshine and blue skies, and it’s for a really good cause.”

Sue and Graham Williamson from Ross-on-Wye walked the nine miles from Tintern and said: “We’ve done several routes over the years. We love walking and it’s a great way to help charity, particularly in such beautiful weather and stunning countryside.”

Rhian Lewis, who works in London, came home to Monmouth for the weekend, and asked organisers on the day if she could do the walk with friend Hannah Wyatt.

“They said ‘yes’, and we pretty much got straight on the bus to the start,” she said. “Working in London, it’s great walking the Wye in such beautiful weather, and it’s really well organised.”

Nicki and Robert Williams recently moved to Monmouth from Llanelli with children Mollie, 10, and Macsen seven, and thought the trek from Tintern was the perfect way of seeing the local countryside. “Mollie’s got her headphones on, so she’s walking to the beat,” joked mum Nicki.

A group from Abbey Vets in Monmouth, with dogs Libby, Weaver and Blackberry, were also among those stepping out for charity.

Claire Bailey said: “We thought we’d have a girly day out and raise some money for a good cause.”

And workmate Cate Wood added: “Someone in my family has been touched by cancer, while a member of Abbey Vets’ staff has recently got over surgery. It’s a great cause, a beautiful day and the dogs are loving it.”

Clemence Martin from Bordeaux in France is doing a school exchange in Wiltshire and joined colleague Emma Fairbairn beside the Wye.

“It’s my first time here and it’s lovely and warm,” said the English teacher.

Redbrook’s Rosina Crawford enjoyed a thirst-quenching drink at her local pub, the Boat Inn, with daughters Rachel and Sarah, en route to Monmouth.

“Sarah moved back to Coleford recently, so we thought it would be lovely to do it all three,” she said.

And it was also a family affair for Jeni Teague and Claire Oxley, who were walking from Bigsweir with 11-year-old daughters Olivia and Lily, and stopped off in the shadow of the old Redbrook Railway Bridge before tackling the last stage.

Three-quarters of the total raised will go to the Velindre Cancer Centre at Cardiff and 25 per cent to other charitable causes supported by the Rotary clubs of Monmouth, Chepstow and Ross on Wye.