A Welsh farmer, who was inspired by war veteran Captain Tom Moore to come up with his own fundraising walk, has died at the age of 95. Rhythwyn Evans from Tan-y-Graig Farm in Silian, Ceredigion, decided to support his local health board, Hywel Dda, by walking 91 times around his bungalow to celebrate his 91st birthday on April 18 back in 2020.
Mr Evans, who used a walking stick, was aiming to raise £500 but remarkably raised more than £50,000 for his health board. Rhythwyn’s walk was inspired by Captain Tom Moore, who did a similar fundraising campaign for the NHS, when he walked along his garden 100 times before his 100th birthday.
BBC News Wales has reported that a family member posted on social media that Rhythwyn had died on Friday, January 10, at his home “with his family around him”. They added that he had died “after a happy, long life” and “wonderful health until the last few months”.
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In response, some have shared their condolences online, including community initiative Menter Silian. In a Facebook post they wrote: “Diwrnod trist i Silian! A sad day for Silian! This local character will be missed by many!
Rhythwyn Evans walking around his home in 2020
“Once to be heard in the peels of the church bell ringing out every Sunday, followed by your strong, rich voice leading the hymns. A warm, friendly face around the village, always eager to chat. Silian had changed so much in your 95 years – you loved the place and were full of local knowledge and stories of days gone by!
“Still spritely into your 90s and a well-loved, familiar face at community gatherings … not forgetting your heroic fundraising for the NHS – spending your 91st birthday walking 91 times around your house! Rest well, Rhythwyn Evans, Silian will miss your sparkle. Condolences to the Evans family at this sad time”.