VOLUNTEERS are set to walk the Anglesey stretch of the Wales Coast Path in a fundraising effort for Christmas Jumper Day.

The Anglesey branch of Save the Children will take part in the national fundraiser that will see the charity's volunteers complete the whopping 870-mile route between them ahead of the festive jumper day on December 11.

It comes amid a significant fall in funding for the leading children's charity while child poverty has risen in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every one of us," said Alison Wood, of the Anglesey branch of Save the Children. "For millions of children their lives changed overnight as schools closed, routine healthcare stopped and the ability to protect children and keep them safe paused.

"Children here in Wales are also suffering from the economic hardships as a direct result from the pandemic. Recent research by Save the Children revealed that more than a half of families in Wales on Universal Credit and Child Tax Credits have had to cut back on essentials such as food for adults, heating and electricity, and on items for children such as winter clothes.

“When the crisis hit Save the Children kicked into action immediately carrying out life-saving work across the globe. But due to the pandemic the charity also faces challenges with its revenue expected to fall by millions of pounds this year due to volunteers being unable to raise money."

The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is a 130-mile circular route that starts and finishes in Holyhead, passing through Amlwch, Beamaris and Aberffraw and Trearddur.

Save the Children encourages members of the public to take part in Christmas Jumper Day by wearing their festive sweater and making a donation of £2 so that it can help children in poverty.

Lucy Potter, community fundraising manager for Save the Children in Wales, said: “We’re so grateful to our volunteers for coming up with such innovative ideas on how to raise money in the face of the current challenges. Taking part in this walking challenge has been a great way of appreciating the beautiful scenery on our doorstep and with every step knowing that we are all helping to make a difference to the lives of families that need our help, now more than ever."

To find out more about Christmas Jumper Day visit www.christmasjumperday.org