AN sponsored walk still proved to be a success, despite the fact one of the participants had to pull out due to injury.

Ruthin pals Rachel Davies and Sally Smith had planned to walk from Aberdaron, in Gwynedd, to Efenechtyd in 24 hours.

The duo were putting their best foot forward to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance and in memory of much-loved teenager Olivia Alkir.

Seventeen-year-old Olivia, a pupil at Ruthin's Ysgol Brynhyfryd, tragically died following a car accident in Efenechtyd in June 2019.

Olivia's parents Jo and Mesut Alkir set up the Olivia's Window appeal in memory of their daughter, who was a talented artist.

READ MORE: Bid to transform Olivia Alkir's art into lasting legacy at church

A stained-glass window designer from Chester has been engaged to reproduce one of her best loved artworks depicting a lane in Efenechtyd, which will replace one of the existing clear window panes at St Michael and All Angels parish church, Efenechtyd.

While Sally fully intended to go on the big walk, she was forced to pull out.

She said: "I had to pull out of the walk, I had an infected blister and the doctor said I couldn’t do it. 

"But, Rachel and Dave absolutely smashed it!"

 

Denbighshire Free Press: Sally Smith and Rachel Davies during training for their big walking challengeSally Smith and Rachel Davies during training for their big walking challenge

 

That's the partnership of Rachel and her husband, who managed to raise thousands of pounds from the venture.

"On the Saturday morning at 11am we were waved off from Aberdaron by Louise Courtnage from the Welsh Air Ambulance," said Rachel.

"114.5km (71 miles) and 23 hours 19 minutes later, we were met on Sunday morning by Jo and Mesut Alkir at Efenechtyd Church.

"We have raised £3,500 for the Welsh Air Ambulance and in memory of Olivia Alkir."

Rachel added: "I'd like to add thanks to Kevin and Jessica Jones our support crew, Pentre Motors for kindly filling up our support vehicle, and to all our family and friends who came out to support us during the event and for the wonderful welcome at the finish line."

READ: From Aberdaron to Efenechtyd by foot... in only 24 hours!

And what's planned next?

"The next fundraiser is brewing!" promised Rachel.