On Sunday 2nd September the people of Caernarfon, North Wales donned their best underpants to support the leading Welsh prostate health charity Prostate Cymru. Organised by the Trons Dy Dad (Your Dad’s Underpants) group made up of Gwynedd councillors Dilwyn Lloyd, Jason Parry, Roy Owen and friends, the event featured a sponsored walk, live entertainment and family friendly activities.
The sponsored walk featured two routes so that participants of all ages and abilities could get involved in the accessible and inclusive event. The shorter distance took walkers from the Maes to the iconic castle. The longer distance also took walkers past the historic thirteenth century castle and along the coast, walking along the Aberforeshore and back. Walkers on both routes were supported by St John Ambulance Wales. Amongst the 70 walkers were wheelchair user Aaron Pleming and a team of urology nurses from Ysbyty Gwynedd headed by Linda Williams.
Following the walk, which was started by Prostate Cymru’s Chief Executive Tina Tew, hundreds of people came to the Maes to watch a number of hit Welsh bands perform live. Headlined by Maffia Mr Huws and Gwibdaith Hen Frân (whose song provided the Trons Dy Dad group with their name), there were also performances from Synnwyr Cyffredin, Glass Eye, Pat Kyle, Phil Gas Ar Band, Einir Wyn Robert and White Ether.
Event organiser and Gwynedd County Councillor Dilwyn Lloyd said, “Everybody had a fantastic time from young to old. We would like to thank all the volunteers and stewards on the day and also the bands who performed free of charge. Special thanks goes our MC on the day Mr Owain Llyr. Thank you to everybody who made this day special.”
You can experience both the walk and live music by watching this brilliant event video from participant Aaron Pleming:
The event was welcomed by local businesses such as Moo Caernarfon, Castell and Copa who supported the cause by creating underwear window displays, hosting events prior to the walk and providing special event offers. Prior to the 2nd September, the Trons Dy Dad group promoted the walk in the local press and on S4C’s Heno television programme in addition to holding a number of smaller fundraising events including a race night, quizzes, car boot sales, bag packing and selling pin badges.
The group, who raised £1126 on the day, are accepting sponsorship until the 19th September after which they will announce their grand total of money raised for Prostate Cymru. Following the success of this year’s event it is hoped that the Trons Dy Dad sponsored walk will become an annual event in the area to support men affected by prostate cancer.