THE Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 200 years old this year and the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) wants to join in the celebrations through a sponsored walk on Sunday, April 17, that will incorporate the aqueduct.
Ruth Owen, arc's area appeal manager for North Wales and Cheshire, is looking for 200 walkers from the Wrexham area to not only celebrate the aqueduct's 200th anniversary but also to celebrate improved and increased mobility due to successful joint replacement surgery.
'Much of the progress and development of this surgery is thanks to the research carried out by arc, Britain's fourth largest medical research charity. So this is another cause for celebration!' said Ruth.
The walk measures four miles along the picturesque towpath of the Llangollen Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal from Llangollen to Trevor. When walkers reach Trevor they can walk over the aqueduct and also claim a complimentary drink from the local Telford Inn and finish their walk there. Alternatively, they can make the return trip to Llangollen, to walk a total of eight miles. The choice is up to each individual.
Walkers will be asked to raise sponsorship or donate £50 each, which will be used to fund vital research into the cause and a cure for arthritis and ways to improve the treatment of arthritis sufferers. It will also include a donation to British Waterways to contribute towards Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
'This should be a lovely day out,' said Ruth. 'People can enjoy a relaxing and scenic walk while helping the millions of adults and thousands of children throughout Britain who suffer the pain of arthritis, while also contributing towards the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
'If we have 200 walkers participate we will indeed be able to make a meaningful contribution towards our vital research.'
Ruth is also looking for volunteers to act as marshals along the route.
Free information packs and further details can be obtained from Ruth by calling her on 01492 518760, or 07736 157800.
