PEMBROKESHIRE gran Sybil Edwards celebrated her 80th birthday ... by going on  marathon walk across the county to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis. 

Sybil Edwards, who lives in Trefin,  has been involved in the Pembrokeshire  branch  of the Cystic Fibrosis  Trust for more than 30 years . She was, in fact, instrumental in its formation and as her 80th birthday approached  she felt she should make use of the occasion to raise funds for the charity which, with the families,  has become an important part of her life.

An abseil was vetoed by her doctor, she wasn’t selected to stand on the plinth in Trafalgar Square and so the idea of a sponsored walk took hold.  With her interest in family history  the plan developed  into a reconstruction of the walk made in 1791 by her late husband’s  4x great grandfather, Henery Edwards .  Henery, who lived in the Hayscastle/ Ryndaston area,  had heard rumours of plans for the construction of a new town on the Milford haven and so, with high hopes of employment , he set out on his walk to seek  work in this exciting new project.  The contract for the carpentry work at the first building of the new town – now the Lord Nelson Hotel –followed.

Over four blissfully sunny days in October  Sybil followed in Henery’s footsteps covering between 20-25 miles on her journey from St Mary’s Church, Hayscastle to the Lord Nelson Hotel.

Inspired by her efforts – Mum’s Great Walk they call it -  her family have joined in what has become an Edwards affair with elder son Andrew in Southport embarking on an 80 mile cycle ride (even planning his route in the form of the figures 8 and 0).  Daughter-in-law Julie and grandchildren  Michael and Sarah have each completed 80 lengths of  the  Southport Fitness Centre swimming pool while  younger son Chris, who has in past years raised thousands of pounds for  Cystic Fibrosis with marathons  in New York, London and Dublin, ran a half marathon on the route taken by his mother .

Sybil and  her family are grateful for the generosity of their many sponsors and say that there is still time for those who have yet to donate  to make their contribution.

The economic recession has made the past year a tough one financially for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust  yet  it has been an exciting  period with significant progress in both gene therapy research and  in improving clinical care  while the most welcome news  is that average life expectancy for those with Cystic Fibrosis has increased .

But too many young lives are still lost  to CF. There is still a long way to go to change this.

“The Trust  needs the strength and determination of its fund-raisers to weather  the recession .” says Chief Executive Rosie Barnes. “Our programme is demanding and challenging  but we are determined to succeed . The adults who have lived with CF for many years. the teenagers  who are railing against it and the very young who cannot yet say the words Cystic Fibrosis are all depending on us.”.

To sponsor please contact Sybil Edwards, Portland House, Trefin, Haverfordwest , SA62 5AX. Tel:01348 837147. Email: sybil@edwmcb8.fsnet.co.uk
Although the walk is completed, you can still send sponsor money for this very worthy cause
Here is Sybil's blog of the walk

The Edwards team Day 1.  The starting point:  St Mary's Church Hayscastle Day 1 So. This is it. Time to put behind me the qualms of the last few days.  My ‘agent’ ( son Andrew, group editor of goodness knows how  many papers in  Merseyside) has worked well.The world at large has been informed that “Pembrokeshire gran, 80 year old Sybil Edwards” will do this walk. I’ve said so myself  on Radio Pembrokeshire. No way out now.  I blame Dr. Prem.  He vetoed me doing an abseil, I wasn’t selected to celebrate my 80th birthday by standing for an hour on the plinth in Trafalgar Square  ( don’t know that I’m too sorry about that - went to have a look  -  seemed a long way off the ground). So – idea number 3 it was, walk from Hayscastle to Milford  as dear old Henery Edwards did in 1791,  permitted as long as I restricted myself to five miles a day with an alternate rest day. Got up at 6.30 to be ready for off at 8.30.  Hope sometime holiday companion ‘travel light Marion’ doesn’t get wind of the contents of my back pack    - rain gear (in case it rains). woolly hat ( in case it’s cold), energy tablets (in case I flag), mobile ( in case I need to make an SOS call),   list of useful phone numbers (ditto), biscuits  (in case I’m hungry), bananas (ditto), water (in case I’m thirsty), pen (in case – well I never go anywhere without a pen), sunglasses (in case it’s sunny), camera ( in case I need to prove where I’ve been), cash (in case I go shopping)  and a lot of tissues (never you mind !) Elizabeth and Lyn arrive  on time, car bedecked with banners and balloons and  deliver me to my starting point St Mary’s Church, Hayscastle. Lyn knows the way. I’m having more qualms – am I sure of my route ? Day 1 is not the time to get lost. Awaiting my arrival are the vicar the Revd. Michael Rowlands (Mick the Vic) with CF members Phyllis and Ieuan Morgan and local residents Angie and Mike Flude. Mike had provided me with local contacts . Very touched that he and his wife turned up to see me on my way. Short, very informal service in the lovely little church where the Revd. Michael spoke of the work of volunteers and asked a blessing on my endeavours. Set off with the sun shining on me and a yellow balloon ( attached to my backpack by Elizabeth) blowing in the wind. Paused at Hayscastle Cross – don’t miss an opportunity I thought. Knocked on the door of the Cross Inn ( still well locked up at this time in the morning) asked head that appeared at upstairs window if I might use loo. That, too, was well locked up it seems. ‘Sorry ‘ said  head..  Hey ho – no room at the inn. There was a hedge and gateway further down the road   -  if you must know Now a long stretch of nothingness – a long steep hill.  ‘Would I accept a lift if one was offered’ I pondered. ‘NO’ I told myself severely.  But  did opt for an energy tablet and a drink of water ( 2 of my ‘in cases’ at a go.) First stop Camrose A sign post for Camrose , my destination for the day was cheering . Pace quickened     - suddenly I’m on familiar ground and ahead of schedule  Very much ahead of schedule.  Walked through the village and totally missed seeing the bus stop where Community Council chairman  Dillwyn Phillips and Vice chair Tony Bevan were to welcome me. A phone call (mobile -  3rd ‘in case’) brought them hurrying from their labours. Photos taken ( camera 4th  - ‘in case’) Marion  - 30 minutes early -  waiting to drive me home .  No surprise. She had been paranoid about  missing me somewhere in the  wilds of Camrose.  A good friend even if she does mock my packing arrangements! Back to Trefin - ‘real’ lemonade and coffee at the Oriel y Felin Gallery. Customer did  double take. He’d just heard my recorded  interview on Radio Pembrokeshire and there I was in the flesh. Instant sponsorship. Soaking in the bath (at home) was good .  Answered phone expecting a family chat. Conducted business  call for some minutes  before  revealing  -  I’ll rephrase that  - letting on -  that I was not exactly at my desk. Splashing a clue. Later -  Feel fine.. Now know I can do it.  Both sons rang to check on progress. Think they’re quite chuffed with their Mum. Day 2. Yes, well – maybe over-optimistic.  Legs are not happy. Don’t want to walk today. Stay in bed, they  suggest.   Told them no choice.  Problem not Day 1 walk but a ‘rest day’ that did not rest legs. Faithful Elizabeth  and Lyn arrive with fresh balloon for my pack. Tony Bevan at Camrose to see me on my way. Dillwyn unavailable  - celebrating major  wedding anniversary.  Legs still protesting but eased as I walked .  Turned out to be a highlight   day. – sunshine, jacket off ( in October), beautiful walk along  sun dappled  tree-lined  road  -lots of scenery photos  as happy memento.  Sat on a bridge to eat  banana (5th ‘in case’)  and drink  water.  Motorist stopped ( on a bend) to  sponsor. (pen ‘in case’ No.6 to fill in sponsor form)  Legs forgotten they ached. The route from Camrose was beautiful I told you it was beautiful Ahead of schedule again. Sauntered triumphantly down Crowhill and on along riverside to Town Council Offices  - starting point for Day 3. Identified on Old Bridge as ‘the lady I’m hearing about on the radio’ and had hand shaken.. Somehow  missed Phyllis, a great supporter, who had set out to meet me en route. Was met at Morrisons as arranged by Lyn and Elizabeth , CF members Brian and Yvonne Griffiths – also by Marion - just turned up to ensure no hitch over  transport home. Coffee and two very naughty custard tarts ( totally out of order on my gluten and dairy free diet) at Morrisons (cash , 7th of  the ‘in cases’) Restful evening. Arrived in Haverfordwest from  Camrose - COFFEE AWAITS!! Day 3. Everything going so well and making such good  time I used rest day yesterday  to drive along the remainder of the route to reassess times  and distances. . Decide I can do it in four days , gain  extra  rest day  before the final lap to Milford.. This despite hazards of  today’s route from Haverfordwest to Tiers Cross. Bit tense though. Can’t complete journey  if squashed under lorry.  Fresh balloons to cheer me .  Delivered as usual by Elizabeth and Lyn. Received in  Mayor’s Parlour, Haverfordwest by Mayor Jim  Campbell and Councillor Peter Lewis All sign VIP visitor’s book  (Queen signed it-  but she wasn’t walking ) Presented with Haverfordwest scarf and Haverfordwest Town Council crest.  Handed gifts to Elizabeth for safe keeping. Like Queen I have ‘lady in waiting’. Also looks after donations en route.   Time to leave Haverfordwest - Mayor James Campbell and Councillor Peter Lewis accompany me to Merlins Bridge Set off for Merlin’s Bridge  escorted by Mayor and Councillor Peter.  Stop at Western Telegraph to collect photographer Robert. On to Garland Motorcycles.  Motorcyclist  Robert (Nobby) Boswell awaits to act as outrider on horrible bends, Phyllis there  to give moral support , Elizabeth and Lyn   to crawl behind me. “Warning - Slow Down-  Walker” signs  (courtesy Beth Robinson, Oriel Glan y Mor Gallery) affixed to car and bike. My own gaudy attire and flying balloon a hazard alert !  Pose for press photographs.   Ready to face the hazards of the Old Hakin Road with the protection of outrider motor cyclist Robert (Nobby) Boswell, manager of Garlands Motorcycles and Elizabeth Yates and Lyn Davies following behind. Deep breath. Calm down. In good hands. Just walk. Got some waves from motorists (friendly). Lorry driver ignores ‘slow’ request. Drag from draught of close contact scary. “Nobby” stops traffic completely as I negotiate worst  bend under bridge . Escorts did great job. Andrew rings – happy that  mother will still be available for holiday accommodation..  Hazard dealt with  – hill/ hills take over. Long slow slog . Blaring horn  and blown kisses indicates Marion on way to pick-up point.. Reach Tiers Cross  sign –Marion patiently sitting reading.  Not quite my stopping point (Welcome Traveller a bit further on) but a welcome sight.  Pose for exultation photos. ‘Hop in’ says M. opening car door.  Retreat in horror .  Can’t be seen  arriving by car . Plough on.  Hopes of coffee at pub.  Locked and deserted. Again ‘no room at the inn.’ Eat banana in car . Approached by young man  -hopes raised    - landlord ready to open up for weary walker? – eager sponsor ?  No - wanted advice on organising sponsorship for charity walk  - a different charity Had to slow down here.......! Praise be! I've reached Tiers Cross!  What hills! Oh my calf muscles!!!! Head for home. Stop at Nant y Coy in Treffgarne for great reviving coffee and biscuits, sitting outside in sun.  And so HOME.  A tiring day but a couple of rest days ahead.  Fit enough to go to Historical Society meeting in St Davids this evening. – didn’t want to miss Dr Middleton talking about  Local Doctors .  Worth the effort. Rest days Gentle exercise to keep  muscles working.  Fair bit of checking and double checking to do. Want everything to go to plan on last day. Call from Radio Pembrokeshire  - to do recorded interview with Ben Skone . Didn’t manage to hear it but believe I got over the things I wanted to say - thanks to the people who’ve helped , my admiration for the young  CF patients who are determined to live their lives to the full - the  dedicated parents. Mentioned the part played by my own family in this 80th birthday fund raising  - Chris doing a half-marathon, Andrew’s 80 mile cycle ride  with daughter-in law Julie and grandchildren Michael and Sarah each swimming 80 lengths.  And Andrew’s gift to me  - a 15 minute flying lesson.  “Wow”! said Ben. “Wow” say I ! Final Day Dropped off at Tiers Cross.  Vehicle( adorned with usual banners and balloons) mistaken for hospital car .  Situation explained and sponsor money then forthcoming. A busy road, a few waves but mostly high speed  vehicles and lorries whizzing past too close for comfort. Not a scenic route. Murco Refinery came into view .  What would Henery have made of it  ?  Maybe sought a job there.  My thoughts with him quite a bit as I near the end of his – and my-  journey.  Brave man. I know what’s at the end of my trek  - a greeting by friends- the comfort of an inn where there will be room  - transport home . The final step of my journey The first view of the sea - Henery must have rejoiced Ponder this and his legacy to successive Henrys as I get first sight of the sea. This must surely have put a spring  in Henery’s step. Reach Hubberston with time to spare. Branch off in search of civilised  loo. Success at  Hubberston  Education Centre. Was asked if I’m ”the old lady doing the walk”  Suppose I am . Sponsorship followed.  Still  in comfortable time for 11.30 reception at Hakin Bridge .  Pause to take photo at top of St Lawrence Hill – camera missing.  Panic !  All my precious pictures !  Consult list of useful phone numbers (8th of my ‘in cases’), no reply from any. Hope I put camera down in Education Centre. Retrace my steps at speed. Success.  More speed – gallop down hill.  Reception group and Robert  the photographer await   Wonderful sight  -  and I’m only two minutes late. Nice little congratulatory speech from deputy Mayor Eric Harries.  Interesting that it is just 100 years since a procession marched over the bridge to celebrate the freeing of tolls.   Eric and I lead a procession  celebrating the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. At the Lord Nelson Hotel, the Inn where just over 200 years ago  Henery Edwards carried out the carpentry work, I take the final step of my journey. Coffee and cake - and then lunch  -await us. PS   Marion take note  - I used all my ‘in case ‘ items  except raincoat and woolly hat   There’s always tomorrow- at least there has been so far. (Keith Waterhouse on turning 80 this year.) Am I on the right walk? - Henery didn't say anything about this FINISHED!!! Haverfordwest Town Council Crest  and Silk scarf presented to Sybil  by Mayor Jim Campbell Chris Edwards enjoys a refreshing drink as he completes his half marathon