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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
John Jones

The important reason former rugby player spent the day creating this amazing artwork in Tenby

A former rugby player spent a day creating this amazing artwork on one of Wales' most famous beaches. Andy Dawling left visitors to Tenby's North Beach stunned over the weekend having turned the huge stretch of sand into a breathtaking floral masterpiece.

And the massive art piece has been created for an important reason, with Andy - who played professional rugby for Gloucester, Harlequins and Barbarians - inspired by his own personal mental health struggles. Get the latest news from across Wales sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter.

The former paratrooper, who served for over two decades in the UK's Elite Airbone forces, is on a mission to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities by walking over 1,000 miles around the entirety of Wales.

READ MORE: Popular Tenby beachside café decides to stop serving food to customers because it can’t afford to

The incredible journey is inspired by Andy’s personal struggle with PTSD and his determination to make positive changes in his life. He says his aim is to "connect people and communities both old and new" as well as getting people to "immerse [themselves] in the incredible landscape and beautiful scenery" around Wales.

He hopes that by doing so, he will encourage people to open up about their mental health and "establish a crucial support network" with each other, with the ultimate aim of "building positive futures".

So far, Andy has walked 780 miles and taken in some of the most amazing coastal views and rolling hills that the country has to offer. He said that he has been "overwhelmed" by the support he has received from local communities, rugby clubs and the many people that have joined him on his walk along the way, adding: "The kindness and hospitality [has been] nothing short of amazing".

Andy (left) is walking over 1,000 miles around the entirety of Wales. (Andy Dawling)

He helped create the huge floral display along North Beach on Friday, where earlier in the day he met up with ocean photographer and sand artists Ross Andrew. Together, the pair transformed a large stretch of the beach into a huge artistic flowerbed, leaving locals and tourists stunned.

Reacting to the breathtaking artwork, one person described it as "amazing," adding: "It's such a shame that the tide will wash it away. Well done for all your hard work. So clever". Another said it was "simply incredible," while a third commented: "A very impressive way to spend your Friday night!".

For more information on Andy’s 1,000 mile walk, take a look at his Instagram and Facebook page @wolfpackpilgrimage.

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