A COWBRIDGE man is delighted after shattering the target of his fundraising walk for Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardff.
Gareth Petty set out to walk the length of Wales on Friday 16th August, from north to south, setting a target of £1,000. In fact, friends, family and supporters flocked to the good cause and the total recently soared past £20,000 – standing now at £20,557.
Gareth was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma in January this year and decided to do the marathon trek to increase awareness of the disease and say a big thank you for the care he’s received from the wonderful NHS staff, particularly in Velindre.
The journey started with an interview for S4C’s Heno programme at Llandudno Pier, followed by a 21-mile walk to Betws y Coed. Over the next 10 days the route took in the mountains of Snowdonia, the Elan Valley, and the Brecon Beacons.
Gareth was supported throughout the journey by good friends Trevor Morgan, Vince and Katherine Price. “I simply could not have achieved the feat without them,” said Gareth “Vince and Katherine took care of the route and wellbeing whilst Trevor, our main driver, would constantly appear from nowhere with supplies just when we needed them!”
The group were also joined along the way by friends and family including former players and committee members from Cowbridge RFC. This group particularly enjoyed the hospitality at the Seven Stars Inn at Aberedw!
There was one minor hiccup during the trek through the Brecon Beacons. Having walked nine miles in three hours, they suddenly realised they’d taken a wrong turn and were only 1.5 miles from their original starting point! Gareth recalled: “It did go a bit quiet for a moment – then we all had a good laugh and set off again in the right direction.”
The journey finally ended on Sunday, 25th August with a full house welcome home party at The Cross Inn, Llanblethian. An exhausted but elated Gareth commented: “It was really challenging but great fun and very rewarding, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the people who have supported us and donated so generously.”
The appeal is still accepting donations. To make a contribution, go to bit.ly/3yvwEnr
By Philip Irwin – Senior Reporter
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