Two leading figures from Glasbury Arts Summer School are hitting the road to raise funds for the organisation’s Harps in Schools initiative, which offers free harp tuition to any child who wishes to learn in two local schools.

John Fitzgerald, of Glasbury Arts, will be walking, while Eleri Darkins, co-director of music at the Summer School, will be running in a series of events over the coming months to support the project.

Last year, following heart surgery, John set himself the challenge of walking 175 miles in three months - and achieved it. This year, he’s raising the stakes, aiming to walk 200 miles in just two months.

Inspired by John’s efforts, Eleri set herself the challenge of running 200 miles in three months — and ended up clocking an impressive 273. This year, she’s taking it a step further, training to run a full marathon distance before the Summer School begins on August 21.

By the end of the first week, John was right on track, having walked 26 miles, while Eleri had already completed the equivalent of a half marathon.

The pair are also encouraging others to get involved by setting their own personal challenges to help raise funds for the Harps in Schools project.

Alternatively, if you’d like to support the Harps in Schools programme by sponsoring John and Eleri, donations can be made online at: www.glasburyarts.co.uk/film

For cash or cheque donations, please contact John at the email address below. Anyone planning their own challenge in support of Harps in Schools is asked to email [email protected] to receive further information. You can use the same donation link above for friends and family.

The Glasbury Arts Harp Summer School will take place from August 20 to 23 at Gwernyfed High School offering four days of intensive workshops and masterclasses.