Andrew’s Round Wales Challenge for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice

A huge challenge awaits Andrew Hardy over the next three weeks as he aims to cycle, walk and kayak the entire Welsh coastline and all in aid of Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice.  

The Pontypridd father, who is 33, loves a challenge and has set himself the target of travelling around the 870 miles of Welsh coast, on foot, bike and sea.  

A keen adventurer, he is setting off on Saturday (May 27) from Chester and hopes to arrive in Chepstow around 18 days later. 

Accompanied by his wife, Jess and four-year-old daughter Anwyn in the family camper van, Andrew will take on most of the challenge alone, but will be joined by his friend Kris Bandey for part of the route. 

Colleagues from his workplace, 4d Academy, will also join him for sections too.  

Andrew said: “As a father myself and a lover of children, I would do anything to bring happiness to children and provide support to the families of those children affected by life-shortening conditions.  

“I have chosen to raise awareness of the excellent work that Tŷ Hafan do and to raise as much funding as possible for their work by undertaking this challenge, and hope as many people as possible will make a donation.” 

Andrew will use the Wales Coastal Path route when walking, the Wales Coast cycling routes in the north and west areas of Wales and will kayak around the Pembrokeshire coastline.  

Andrew will be blogging his progress as he goes and the challenge will be staged as follows:  

• Cycle Chester to Bangor – stopping off in Llandudno to walk the coastline 

• Walk the coastline of Anglesey and Holyhead.  

• Cycle and walk the Wales coastal path for the Llyn Peninsula region.  

• Cycle Harlech to Aberystwyth 

• Walk Aberystwyth to Newquay 

• Kayak the Pembrokeshire coastline – New Quay to Amroth, walking areas that are not accessible.  

• Cycle and walk the South Wales Coastal Path from Amroth to Chepstow. 

Andrew is aiming to raise at least £3,000 and added: “The money we raise will go a long way to helping Tŷ Hafan to provide life-changing care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and theirfamilies to help them enjoy their lives.” 

He will be posting about his journey on social media and is asking everyone to share as much as possible, to maximise awareness and donations. He is also encouraging people to join him for stretches of the trek, if they would like to.  

Helen Morgan, Senior Community Fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan, said: “We are so grateful to Andrew, and to Kris and everyone else involved, for taking on this amazing challenge to raise money for our hospice.  

“We wish him all the very best for a safe journey around Wales and look forward to hearing all about his incredible adventures on his return.”