MCCARTNEYS Estate Agents are proud to have supported Mind, the mental health charity by organising and completing a fundraising challenge along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal on Sunday, September 24 to raise monies and awareness for the charity

Over 40 participants, the majority McCartneys’ employees, took part in the event, alongside seven volunteers from Mind and two others from Gabbs Solicitors. The challenge was to cycle the full length of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. The event ran alongside a seven-mile walk for those who chose not to cycle.

The cycle route started in Pontymoile and finished at the basin by Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon, with the walkers starting in Talybont-on-Usk and finishing at the same point. About 35 miles in length, the canal runs through the beautiful Brecon Beacons countryside, passing through around 120 bridges and six locks.

McCartneys have chosen to support Mind as its charity this year to ensure that no one feels alone. As a team, we will be fundraising for the mental health charity and will be holding special events within the communities we serve to spread the message that no one is alone and that help and support is available to everyone.

Rob Fearnley, who organised the event and is the manager of McCartneys’ Hay-on-Wye office, said: “It was a great day and fantastic achievement to complete. The day ran pretty smoothly and we were lucky enough to have some nice weather. No-one fell into the canal which always helps and everyone had a fabulous time in helping support Mind.

“The cycling event started at 10am and took around three and a half hours to complete and the walkers set of at 11am before reaching the finish point two and an half hours later.

“We had employees from across our region taking part and it was a real privilege to show off the beautiful countryside we live in. All our branches throughout our region have been fundraising for the event and we are excited to find out how much we have managed to raise for the charity. We are continuing to collect monies from sponsorship and of course people are still welcome to donate if you wish to support us, we want to raise as much money as possible for Mind”.

Val Walker, service director of Brecon and District Mind, said: “It’s fantastic that a local business, such as McCartneys, have chosen Mind as their charity this year and have done such wonderful local fundraising event along the canal.

“We were delighted that this event was well attended and was very successful as they have obviously put a lot of effort into organising this event. We are always very appreciative of fundraising and support from local people”.

If you would like to help make a difference and show your support to those battling mental health then please feel free to make a donation through one of McCartneys’ branches or call McCartneys Hay-on-Wye office on 01497 820778.