Dragon cheese fires Meilyr’s volcano expedition
A YOUNG Conwy farmer is preparing to trek to the highest point in Africa to raise awareness of mental health issues in rural communities.
Meilyr Williams, 19, took on the Kilimanjaro challenge because of the number of people he knows who have suffered from anxiety and depression.
The nine-day trip is scheduled for August or September 2020, though it could be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meilyr, whose family run 500 sheep and a herd of beef cattle at Ty Gwyn farm, Conwy, has so far raised more than £1,000 towards his expedition.
The figure includes a £250 donation from dairy co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries, based at Chwilog, near Pwllheli.
“Mental health is a big issue in the rural economy because of the financial worries people face,” said Meilyr.
“There are many challenges and pressures which farmers have to cope with at the best of times.
“It can be very hard, physically demanding, work and also lonely at times, particularly in winter.”
The former Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy pupil is currently sitting a Football Business and Media degree at the University Campus of Football Business, Manchester.
He’s taking on the challenge with a group from the university. They’ll all be fundraising in aid of mental health charity MIND.
The Kilimanjaro trip includes around six days of walking to the summit of the 5,895m dormant volcano in Tanzania.
As Meilyr needs to be in shape to face sub-zero temperatures and thin mountain air, he’s been training for the challenge.
As well as cycling and gym work, he’s been out hiking in
Snowdonia and has completed the three Peaks trek in the Yorkshire Dales.
Megi Williams, of South Caernarfon Creameries (SCC) said the business was delighted to be support a local farmer for a good cause.
Meilyr added: “SCC are a real community-minded company and it’s good they use milk from local farmers. We know them because of the Dragon cheese that we buy in our family!”