Music and walking are twin threads running through John Fitzgerald’s life, and he’s now planning to do one in aid of the other!

Between May 1 and July 31 John will be walking 150 miles, a distance equivalent to walking from Glasbury to the National Eisteddford in Pontypridd in August - and back.

This walk will serve two important purposes - firstly, he hopes it will raise significant funds for the unique Harps in School project, and secondly, support his continued recovery from recent heart problems.

John, who will turn 82 during the time he’s walking, is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for Glasbury Arts Harps in Schools. The project provides young people with free harp tuition in two local schools, Gwernyfed High School and Church in Wales school in Clyro.

This project, which is the subject of a film made by award-winning cinematographer Richard Greatrex and featuring Jo Brand and Catrin Finch, has attracted praise and plaudits from leading figures in the arts world – from the renowned Kanneh Mason family to Tasmin Little and Melvyn Bragg.

Over the next five years the aim is to raise £150,000 to expand the Harps in Schools programme, but the immediate aim is to raise £11,000 to secure the tuition at Gwernyfed and Clyro for the next academic year.

Worldwide, research has revealed that learning to play a musical instrument increases young people’s intellectual and academic performance and improves their sense of wellbeing.

To sponsor John, or to set a target of your own, go to www.glasburyarts.co.uk/film