FREEMASONS from around Wales will lodge an epic effort to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital For Wales’ Noah’s Ark Appeal.

The community will step up to undertake an ambitious relay Walk Around Wales in 60 days to help buy equipment for fitting out the hospital.

The 1,000 miles effort hopes attract lots of publicity, with local support along the route

Walkers will set out from Penarth this Monday (May 25) with a plan to walk anti-clockwise up along Offa's Dyke and then along the Wales Coastal Path.

They aim to arrive back on July 26 to a Welcome Home Summer Garden Party with all participants and their supporters at Barry Rugby Club.

The Walk is being completed by the Freemason community of South Wales with at least 25 Lodges taking part – passing a Travelling Gavel as a kind of relay baton, which will complete the whole route. The aim is to raise a minimum of £12,000

Lodges taking participating include Afan 833, Baglan 6079, Beehive 6265, Breaksea 8358, Celtic Eagles 9132, Industria Cambrensis 6700, Dinas Powis 5997, Gnoll 5057, Ionic 6626, Llanilltud Fawr 8644, Lodge of 3 Pillars 5857, Margam Abbey 5257, Penllergaer 5567, Porthkerry 6299, Services 7139, St Cecilia 8748, St Quentin's 4778, St Theodore 8536, Wenvoe 9038, Windsor 1754, Wings 8651, Ynys 8274, and the Provincial Wardens.

Barry-based organiser Paul Haley said: "We are really keen to help this very worthy charity to establish a world-class Children's Hospital For Wales, which will benefit children and families and make a positive difference to their lives. I'm delighted at the response from the Freemasonry community, the second largest donor to charities in the UK., with so many making such a tremendous effort towards our initiative which will take in all of the beautiful Wales Coastal Path."

Paul added: "We will be setting off during the National Walking Month of May and will also help celebrate the second Anniversary of the Wales Coastal Path. We welcome anyone who might wish to join us en route, and give us a wave and a cheer on our journey. We are extremely grateful to anyone who wishes to make a donation for the Children's Hospital For Wales."

To sponsor, visit https://www.justgiving.com/walk-around-wales

Follow the progress around Wales via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Services7139 and Twitter @services7139 and using the hashtag #circlecymru