Hiking for Heroes

 

A GROUP of ex-military servicemen from Llanelli are planning a 160 mile trek – from the town to the summit of Snowdon – in aid of their injured comrades.

 

The group, which includes brothers Richard Williams, Gareth Williams and Jonathan Cronin, of Llanelli, brothers Conway Jones, of Kidwelly, and Darren Jones, of Swansea, Chris Davies, of Kidwelly, and Robert Price, of Pontyates, aims to complete the challenge within five days – from Friday, October 14 to Tuesday, October 18.

It is believed this is the first event of its kind, within the given timescale, and is being held in aid of military charity Help for Heroes – which was set up in 2007 to help wounded servicemen and women returning from war-torn Afghanistan and Iraq.

The cause, is one close to the fundraisers’ hearts with each member having either served in the forces direct – including risking their lives in some of the British Forces’ major operations such as the Falklands, Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq – or having close family links with it.

Speaking of the charity event, organiser dad-of-two Richard Williams, of Raby Street, who served in the army himself for almost 10 years, said: “We wanted to raise money for this outstanding charity as many of us have served in the forces ourselves and been very fortunate to have come out with no major physical injuries as a result of it.

“We respect our comrades who continue to serve within the armed forces, putting their lives on the line on a daily basis to protect our country, and are really keen to give something back to those who were not so fortunate.”

The men have been in gruelling training for the event, which is being sponsored by commercial and industrial plumbing and heating firm FP Hurley’s, of Cross Hands, and fellow commercial and industrial plumbing and heating suppliers BSS, since July.

During the trek, which will launch on October 14, at 8.30am, from Llanelli town hall, the men will stop in various locations en route to the summit fundraising along the way.

They plan to walk for almost 12 hours a day, stopping only overnight in planned accommodation for food and rest, before heading off the following morning.

Plumber Mr Williams added: “The trek is going to be extremely physically demanding and tiring, but the cause is so worthwhile, it will override any pain!

“We hope to raise as much money as we can to support H4H as well as make people aware of the excellent work the charity does.”

The team wished to thank the Carmarthenshire H4H co-ordinator – Lady Dena Lloyd Waterman, of Kidwelly, – for all her continued help and support in organising the event.

To sponsor the team log onto bmycharity.com/snowdonhike or call Mr Williams on 07773908417.