A GWYNEDD woman who lost six stone when she started climbing, has praised an award-winning charity for the part they played in her dramatic life change.

Conwy Valley's Outdoor Partnership has been announced as the winner of the 'Organisation of the Year' prize at the upcoming Wales Sport Awards 2018 - which will take place at Celtic Manor, Newport, on December 4.

The group helps thousands of people use outdoor activity to improve their lives – including Gwenllian Dafydd, from Bethesda.

Gwenllian, 30, who started climbing sessions at the Indy Climbing Wales in Llanfairpwll on Anglesey last year explained: “I was at a crossroads in my life. I weighed more than I ever had, I was inactive and I felt really down.”

She then went from a Size 20-22 to a Size 10 and now climbs, runs and has signed up to a skiing course.

She added: “My climbing instructor never made me feel like I wasn’t good enough or needed to change, but the sessions gave me the tools I needed to help me.”

Gwenllian realised how far she had come when she took part in her first outdoor climb. She recalled: “I sat at the top of the 300ft climb watching the sunset and realised I was living this life thanks to the Outdoor Partnership.

“It is something I would never have done before starting climbing with them.”

The Partnership has been recognised for their work in driving inclusivity in the outdoor sector. Their 'This Girl’s Adventure' programme is just one of several initiatives currently going from strength to strength.

In the past year alone, the team has inspired over 16,000 people, by working closely with its 45-member clubs, partners and local employers.

Tracey Evans CEO explained: “The work of the Partnership is to inspire local people to engage in outdoor activity for their health, wellbeing and confidence and help provide new opportunities to change lives for the better.”

The Organisation of the Year Award helps recognise success in encouraging people in Wales to participate in sport and physical activity.

Sarah Powell, CEO at Sport Wales said: “Yet again, we have a very high standard of community award winners who demonstrate the amazing work happening in grassroots sport.

“I have no doubt that hearing about these groups and individuals will help motivate and inspire others to enjoy sport and the many opportunities it offers.”

The Wales Sport Awards sees BBC Cymru Wales and Sport Wales join forces annually to showcase the very best of elite and grassroots sport in Wales.

For more information about the event, please go to www.walessportawards.co.uk or follow

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