Richard's Giving Page

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Hiya! In a couple of months I hope to complete a walk across South Wales. I first attempted this in 1985 with two friends but the Welsh 'summer' meant it was never completed. Well, better late than never. In the years since, cancer has killed or severely affected close family and friends; it is good to give the walk a real purpose, so that fewer people will have to go through what they and we have. Right, here's the plan! Start at the furthest south, Aberthaw; go through Cowbridge, my home town; over the valleys to Aberdare, and then through Waterfall Country to the head of Cwm Tawe. Here the intention is to follow the long distance path called The Cambrian Way: over Mynydd Du, through Llandovery, over the wild country to Ystrad Fflur/Strata Florida; then past Teifi Pools and the Rheidol gorge before crossing Pumlumon to Machynlleth. The very last stage is the Coastal Path to Aberdyfi (ok, not technically in the south, but crackin' views over it!). On a couple of stages I'll be joined by friends. I hope to do this in nine days, staying in pubs or with good friends (diolch Andrea, Julie, Johnny and Helen!) and family (diolch Jan). My backup drivers will be my wife Mandy (first half) and my mate Keith (second half) - diolch in advance to them. I will be passing through some fantastic scenery and places. If anyone would like me to send a little film of somewhere en route (eg the top of Pumlumon, Llyn y Fan Fach lake or one of the waterfalls) with perhaps a message or a dedication to a loved one affected by cancer, please let me know, and I will do my utmost to carry it out. All this depends on my body, and to some extent, weather conditions. But, to quote one mate that cancer took, "It's gotta be done."

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