Charity secures funding to bring new life to valley
WHEN their son died in a plane crash nine years ago Richard and Margaret Collins took comfort in long walks over the mountain near their home in Maesteg and into the Afan Valley.
And now the charity they and their friends set up in tribute to Alex Collins and girlfriend Bethan Jones from Porth – who were both 22 when the jet they were on crashed in bad weather in Phuket, Thailand in 2007 – has taken a step towards its goal of injecting new life into that valley.
The Maesteg-based Garnwen Trust – named after the Garnwen mountain above Maesteg – has got support and funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) Wales to appoint a lead project worker, Charlotte Galsworthy, who will drive forward the charity’s ambition to boost tourism and the economy.
The Garnwen Trust aims to ensure long-term sustainability for the local community through job creation, skill development and inward investment. Coalfield wards set to benefit from the charity’s first project include Cymmer, Glyncorrwg, Pelenna and neighbouring valleys.
And with the funds raised from annual events including Walk for Al and Party in the Park, the trust is also aiming to build a bunkhouse in the Afan Forest Park that will provide accommodation for families and members of the community.
Alex and Bethan, who inspired the fundraising efforts, met while studying at Cardiff University. They were just days into what should have been a six-month trip of a lifetime when disaster struck.
Alex was killed instantly while Bethan died of her injuries 10 days later. Ninety passengers and crew died in the crash.
Charity efforts set up in their name have attracted support from thousands of well-wishers over the years.
Charlotte Galsworthy will be responsible for identifying and developing sustainable opportunities for tourism in the Afan Valley, and working in partnership with local organisations to deliver a long-term strategy for the wider area.
Vanessa Schubert, from the Garnwen Trust, said: “As project worker, Charlotte will play a big part in helping us to revitalise Afan Valley.
“We’re committed to forming a long-term strategy for restoring Afan Valley and the funding that we received from CRT has now strengthened our ability to do so.
“This is a really exciting time for us and we look forward to continuing our work in the area.”
Alun Taylor, head of operations at CRT Wales, the leading regeneration organisation for former coalfield communities, said: “The Garnwen Trust is a very worthy charity that has a unique vision to improve the quality of life and opportunities for the community.
“Like many former mining communities the Afan Valley is an area that still suffers from the aftermath of pit closures. CRT works hard to find and support new solutions to revive mining communities and we are proud to support the vision and strong strategic lead of the Garnwen Trust to help regenerate the Afan Valley area.”
Aberavon MP Stephen Kinnock hailed what he called the CRT’s “critically important role” in helping communities facing “a range of profound and complex challenges”.