LLANFYLLIN'S deputy mayor has walked an average of eight miles a day throughout August to raise money for a cause that’s close to her heart – specialist further education college Derwen College.

Councillor Jane Carrington, who teaches at the Gobowen-based college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is taking part in the #DerwenLEJOG charity challenge.

Teams of six are tackling the virtual distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats, a staggering 874 miles, throughout August to raise money for Derwen College Charity. Money raised will go towards supporting students to develop their independent living skills.

Jane has recruited family support on her walks, including children Noah, aged nine, and Sonny, aged six, and her dog Trevor.

Jane’s family walks have taken her many local places of interest, including Lake Vyrnwy, where they met television presenter Iolo Williams. They have also tackled walks around Aberystwyth, while on holiday, as well as Ellesmere, Lake Vyrnwy, and around Llanfyllin and Llanfechain.

"I always walked a lot in my youth, and this has definitely inspired me to carry that on exploring tracks and foot paths locally," said Cllr Carrington. "A friend of mine, Norman Williams, has been advising me on some lovely local walks, so it’s a real community effort.

“I’m definitely feeling the benefits physically and I'm enjoying exploring those hidden places locally. Spending time with my boys, we've done a lot of foraging especially blackberries

“The kids are enjoying it, and my dog loves it but I sometimes like to go alone. My dad passed away earlier this year, so I like to reflect – walking has been good therapy.”

Jane’s Derwen College team includes friend Claire Ashton-Jones who has worked throughout the pandemic at Danby's Pharmacy, in Llanfyllin, but still has time to clock up some serious miles on Strava.

She is also joined by Derwen College co-workers Ben Leonard, Phil Davies , with Clare and Connor Skelly who spur each other on over social media.

She added: “Phil is the real inspiration, he’s like a machine, every day clocking up 10 plus miles either running or walking, always with something good to say about our days walk in the chat, he keeps us going.

"Ben is the intrepid one he goes walking on adventures to derelict sights locally. Claire Ashton is the early bird, usually dog walking or running at about 5am. Clare Skelly seems to get herself into comical situations.

“I've worked at Derwen College for 16 years, things have changed a lot in those years, and this year has been unprecedented. Whereas in previous years I might have sponsored my students to do the Derwen Sponsored Walk, I haven't had that opportunity this year so felt I'd better get active to support the college instead.

Supporters can sponsor Jane for all her hard work for the #DerwenLEJOG challenge at https://bit.ly/FundDerwenLEJOG