Pilgrimage walk raises over £800 for Vale Foodbank

Over 40 people took part in a 4.5-mile pilgrimage walk through Barry on Saturday 22 August, raising over £800 for Vale Foodbank.

The route linked some of Barry’s historic churches and burial grounds, including Merthyr Dyfan Church, Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery and the remains of Highlight Church.

Walkers were joined along the way by local history experts, including historian and archaeologist Gareth Tylye and Nick Hodges from the Victorian Barry Experience, who shared the stories behind the places visited.

The event was organised by Vale Foodbank, a local charity that supports people in crisis across the Vale of Glamorgan. The money raised will be used to provide food parcels for people who need urgent help.

The walk also highlighted the historic link between pilgrimage and helping people in need. In medieval times, pilgrims often gave “alms for the poor” to support people facing hunger. Today, foodbanks still rely on donations to help local families and individuals.

Among those taking part were Kanishka Narayan MP, Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Carys Stallard and Dyfan councillor Belinda Loveluck-Edwards. Organisers said the funds come at an important time, as demand for foodbank support is rising while donations are falling.

The next fundraising event to support Vale Foodbank is a concert by Cowbridge Male Voice Choir at Coastlands Church, Tennyson Road, Barry on Friday 25th September 2026 at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at £12 for adults or £6 for children and are available from EVENTBRITE.COM.