Wernick Walk for Maggie’s Cancer Support

On the 9^th September, staff at Wernick Buildings, Kenfig took on 13 miles of rugged Welsh coast in a sponsored walk to raise over £2300 for Maggie’s Cancer Support Centre in Swansea. The walk saw the intrepid “Wernick Wanderers” trek from the Buildings Factory in Kenfig to Ogmore-by-Sea across miles of scenic pathways; braving rain showers, blisters, and miles of unforgiving sand.

The factory in Kenfig has only been occupied for just over a year, but the Wernick Buildings team have long been part of the local community in the Neath/ Port Talbot area having previously resided in premises near Neath Abbey. Having long enjoyed the beautiful scenery around them in both locations, the Wernick team could think of no better way to raise money than taking a sponsored walk along the coastline so near to their factory.

While a walk may not seem like the most challenging of pursuits, 13 miles across the coast can present quite the challenge for inexperienced walkers. While some chose to run the distance, others were content to slowly, but determinedly make their way at a more sedate pace. The team were joined by three of the company’s directors; Andy King, who walked with the office team, Ben Wernick, who chose to run the course with his dog Cooper, and Simon Reffell, who delivered the walkers water, chocolate and sandwiches at the halfway point.

Not a single participant failed to complete the course, with times ranging from 2-4 hours from start to end. All the walkers were very proud of their efforts (although there were many sore legs the following morning).  Members of the public along the course were very generous, with the walkers collecting over £60 whilst on their travels. The overall total raised by Just Giving and offline donations came to £2336.

Quality Manager Claire Blight, who organised the walk, told us; “We chose 13 miles as it’s the length of a half marathon, which is an impressive distance whether it’s run or walked. We wanted to have an event that would prove challenging, but that allowed everyone at Kenfig, regardless of their fitness level, to get involved and raise money for a good cause. I’m really proud of the effort everyone put in, both in terms of collecting sponsorship, and for completing the walk on the day.”

The charity chosen for the walk was Maggie’s Cancer Support, which has a centre in Swansea, only a few miles away from the Kenfig factory. The local drop-in centre provides free emotional, practical and social support in the area who have been diagnosed with cancer. With many lives within Wernick having been touched by cancer and its effects, the fundraisers were passionate about supporting this cause.

Wendy McManus, Fundraising Organiser at Maggie’s says: ‘We are delighted that Wernick Buildings chose to support Maggie’s Swansea with their coastal walk challenge. Every penny raised will help support local people with cancer and their friends and family.’

The Wernick Buildings staff would like to take this opportunity to thank their friends, family, colleagues suppliers and contractors who donated both cash and support to help raise money for this worthy cause.