LOCAL primary school teacher Tom Davies has reached the half way point of his 1100 mile walk around the periphery of Wales raising money for The Alzheimer's Society. Tom reached Aberystwyth on August 25, 30 days after setting out from his front door in Presteigne carrying all he would need for his challenge in his 18kg back pack. Tom joined the Offa's Dyke Path in Evenjobb and headed north until he reached Prestatyn before heading to the start of the Wales Coastal Path in Chester. He has now completed the North Wales section including Anglesey, The Llyn Peninsula, and the Meirionnydd and Ceredigion Coastal Paths. He is currently enjoying the beautiful scenery of North Pembrokeshire before returning to Presteigne via the South Coast and the Offa's Dyke Path which he will re-join in Chepstow. He is aiming to complete his challenge by the end of September.

Tom has experienced many highs and lows during his challenge. He has coped with some extremely hot weather as well as several days of driving rain, swarms of insects, blisters on blisters, a soaking wet sleeping bag, an aggressive dog and a few scrapes and tumbles. However, he has also enjoyed the stunning Welsh countryside and coastline, discovering so much about our history as well as the many beautiful bays, dramatic cliffs and varied wildlife. Tom says that the biggest morale boost he could possibly have had is the kindness he has received from the Welsh people he has met along the way. He has been staggered by their generosity towards himself as well as his fund raising. He has received free accommodation from both friends and strangers who have become friends. Such home comforts have been a real treat after days in a tent and Tom is hugely grateful for all the support he has received, from free meals, free camping, home cooking, lifts to and from the coastal path, and even the lady who went to the trouble of purchasing some cream and then finding his camp site because she was worried about a rash she had seen on his arms earlier in the day! Tom says "The generosity and amazingly kind nature of so many people I meet brighten each day at the moments I need it most. I can't thank them enough".

Tom is writing a very popular and entertaining daily blog about his adventures. If you would like to read more you can find it at tomswelshwanderwordpress.wordpress.com

Tom's fund raising for The Alzheimer's Society which funds research into all types of dementia now stands at over £3000 far exceeding his original £1100 target. If you would like to donate please visit his fund raising page at justgiving.com/fundraising/Thomas-Davies11