A remarkable show of determination, community spirit and family pride unfolded along the North Wales coastline on Saturday 14 March, as a local father and grandfather took on an incredible 30-mile charity walk to support the young performers of Maes-G ShowZone.

Aaron Doy, a ShowZone dad, alongside his father-in-law Geraint Lewis, completed a demanding trek from Llandudno Pier to Garth Pier in Bangor, raising funds for the volunteer-run, dance and musical theatre group that has become a vital part of life for dozens of children in the Maesgeirchen community.

Setting off at 9am under clear skies, the pair, joined by Simba the dog, followed the coastal route for just over nine hours, arriving in Bangor shortly before 7.30pm. While conditions were kind, with dry weather and manageable temperatures, the challenge itself was anything but easy. By the time they reached Garth Pier, they had covered 30 miles on foot, with Simba likely covering far more as he ran back and forth along the route.

“Simba must have doubled it,” Aaron said afterwards. “He would run ahead, come back, then go again. He definitely got his steps in.”

Behind the lighter moments was a serious purpose. The walk raised £1,043.30, with funds going directly towards Maes-G ShowZone’s summer production at Pontio this July. A cheque was presented to the group on Wednesday 23 March.

For Aaron and Geraint, this was never just about the challenge. It was something much more personal.

Aaron’s daughter, who is Geraint’s granddaughter, joined ShowZone in September. In just a few months, the family have seen her confidence grow and her love for performing flourish.

Aaron had been aware of the group’s ongoing need for funding and decided to do something practical to support it.

“I’ve always enjoyed walking,” he said. “So I thought I could combine that with raising money for something that is making such a difference.”

Geraint was quick to get involved.

“It was a worthwhile challenge,” he said. “A real challenge. My feet will not forgive me for quite a while.”

Aaron was also keen to recognise the support behind the effort, thanking his colleagues at Tesco Bangor, along with family and friends who donated. “The support has been incredible,” he said.

What began as a simple idea has now grown into something much bigger. Aaron is already planning his next fundraising challenge, a four-day walk set to take place in May 2027.

The story reflects something wider about Maes-G ShowZone and the role it plays in the community.

The group, which is entirely volunteer run, supports over 70 children and young people each week through dance and musical theatre, where financial barriers simply do not exist. For many families it has become far more than just a weekly activity.

Behind the performances is a consistent focus on building confidence, creating friendships and giving young people a place where they feel they belong. Demand continues to grow, with an active waiting list highlighting just how valued the group has become.

In the past six months alone, that impact has been recognised at a national level.         Maes-G ShowZone were named winners of the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025 in the Community Group category, recognising the difference the group is making in young people’s lives. They have also received a civic award from Bangor City Council in recognition of their contribution to the city and its community.

That impact has also been recognised nationally by BBC Morning Live presenter, Gethin Jones, who was the judge for the Community Group category at the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025 and selected Maes-G ShowZone as the winner.

Describing the group, he said it is “a symbol of resilience, inclusivity and community spirit. It’s a lifeline for young children, some of whom have had the toughest start to life. A safe space, no judgement, and they’re not hindered because of something that is out of their control.”

Steffie Williams Roberts, of Maes-G ShowZone, said the efforts of Aaron and Geraint had been deeply appreciated.

“We are full of admiration,” she said. “What they have done is genuinely inspirational. We cannot thank them enough. The children get to see that people believe in them and want to support them. That means more than we can ever put into words.”

The funds raised will now help support the group’s upcoming production at Pontio, one of the highlights of their year.

This year’s show, Step in Time, will take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July. Tickets are already selling quickly and are available directly from Pontio:
https://www.pontio.co.uk/en/events/showzones

More information about Maes-G ShowZone can be found at:
www.maesgshowzone.com