A GROUP of fundraisers have finished their epic 250 mile skateboarding challenge for a Wrexham hospice, with massive support from people across Wales.

Born from an idea on a surfing holiday, six friends became the UNSKATEABLES and set a challenge to skateboard 250 miles coast-to-coast in Wales in memory of their two friends, Wayne Phillips and James Rush. The group has raised a phenomenal £18,500 so far for Nightingale House Hospice.

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The epic journey that saw people far and wide come out to support Matthew Gilbert, Craig Salisbury, Gavin Rogers, Kyle Harvey, Mark Roberts and Joshua Land, the group of friends that make up the UNSKATEABLES over the first weekend in September.

Novice skateboarder Matthew Gilbert explained: "The UNSKATEABLES were born on a surf trip to Morocco. Both Wayne and James would have loved surfing the waves with us."

The UNSKATEABLES took on a Wales coast-to-coast challenge in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.

The UNSKATEABLES took on a Wales coast-to-coast challenge in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.

Throughout the skateboarding journey from Barry Island to Anglesey, Matthew remarked: "Island to Island will always be remembered, a legacy for our amazing friends. Their spirit and energy was felt every skate of the way. Guiding us, motivating us, and probably laughing at us."

Matthew added: "The money raised will help Nightingale House Hospice continue their amazing work in and around the Wrexham area. As one comment read from our Facebook group, 'the jewel in Wrexham's crown' - so true. Thank you, everyone at Nightingale House Hospice and the local community, for your love, support, and friendship along the way. Wayne and James are always in our hearts."

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Bethan Scott, challenge fundraiser, said about the UNSKATEABLES' challenge: "Many months ago, when I first spoke with Gilbert, he explained they had come up with an idea to skateboard the length of Wales to raise money for Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham to when the UNSKATEABLES were formed. All they have ever wanted to do is raise funds as a thank you for the care that was provided to their friends Wayne and James.

"Every single penny of what these guys have raised and what their supporters have donated enables the hospice to carry on their great work. This incredible group of friends have created a wonderful legacy for Wayne and James.

"I think this is just the beginning of the UNSKATEABLES. When they crossed the finish line in Cemaes Bay, they were already hinting at their plans for next year. I would say follow the UNSKATEABLES and watch this space."

• If you would like to find out more about the UNSKATEABLES story and to donate, go to their JustGiving page or their Facebook Group.