Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. We would be honoured to be sponsored by you through this Web site! It is wonderful that so many people have contributed so generously so far!
Alex, Anton, Joe, John & Mike walked the Beacons Way, starting on 9th May 2011. The challenge was to do it in 6 days (instead of the usual 8 - see detailed route map). Sadly, Anton had to drop out exhausted on the 2nd day. Pastor Dewi Higham kindly collected him from Crickhowell. We were delighted to have him back for day 5, much fresher than any us! John had to stop on the first 20-mile day, day 4, which included Pen-y-Fan, South Wales' highest peak. He'd injured his calf, and we're indebted to Jeff and Elaine Gilbert for their support. Having met us at Storey Arms with packed lunches and offers to take our kit on to Dan-y-Ogof, Jeff was on hand again to pick up John from Ystradfellte. John started to manifest a bug and proceeded to get quite ill, so the timing was clearly providential, as he could recouperate at Jeff's home somewhat before returning to Bristol. It seems that Alex was under the influence of something similar but he managed to finish with Joe and Mike. It was a major accomplishment for everyone, whether they finished or not.
Mike's brother Neil put in a huge effort to meet and feed us on Wednesday (lavish BBQ) and Friday nights (beef stew). He even camped with us (his first time 'under canvas') in order to provide a handsome cooked breakfast so that we could start off by 7am. Unforgettable!
The last day was perhaps the most grueling: 21 miles, taking in the barren Black Mountain and coming at the end of week of sub-standard sleep. So it was lovely to be met by so many people that day at various points... including Mike's other brother Steve, coming off the Black Mountain, and then the group of ladies who were walking out to meet them at Carreg Cennen from Bethlehem, the other end of the Beacons Way. These three, Mairi, Lucia (Alex's mum) and Ally (Mike's wife) were fundraising for Marie Curie and you can visit their JustGiving page to support them. Ally had endured a challenging and exhausting week of her own, keeping home and children 'on the rails' without Mike.
You can read more of the unfolding story of the hike on Mike's blog http://mrmrj.blogspot.com/search/label/beacons%20way%202011 and more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/amoebaswarm/tags/bw2011/
Padrig, now 13, Mike's eldest son, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in August 2008. Many charities have helped provide a 'soft landing' for us since then and it is very hard to choose between them.
Christian Lewis Trust, based locally, in Swansea, is one of the smaller ones and would greatly value any small amount you can spare and we can raise. They also punch above their weight in what they do with their budget. Pads has greatly benefitted from regular visits from a play therapist, the use of holiday facilities, and they organised a wonderful 'dream' holiday in Florida (photos here).
You can get the latest news about Pads' progress over on Mike's blog:
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
If you'd rather give money to Cancer Research Wales, then head over to the JustGiving page for them.
