Andrew Jon Hancock aka 'Pudding'

Attended Ty Gwyn Special School in Cyncoed, Cardiff.

He had an extra chromosome and a hole in the heart. He was too young at the time to be operated upon. So, when he played too much his lips would turn blue and he would be very breathless. This had to be monitored very closely. His parents had to give him lots of attention. It’s a hard job being a parent.

Andrew’s favourite song was 'Jesus wants me for a sunbeam'’. All the special children would sing this in the minibus on the way to school and as loudly as they possibly could.

He loved cars. He would stare out of a window for hours just smiling and pointing at cars. Big red ones were special and got an arm waving reaction, as did fire engines and ambulances.

He was never able to say a full sentence but he communicated well enough. He had sounds and gestures for drink, food, toys and every other need. He played cooking pots as drums…very loudly!

Even without the knowledge of clocks, every weekday at 3:40pm, he went to his sister’s bookcase and removed every book…some were drawn on, some were torn and some were just looked at.

Then, at 4pm when she came in, he would watch her reaction with glee and pretend to help her tidy up.

Andrew died at the age of 4 on 24th July 1975. His family and his sister still miss him.

Mencap Cymru

Every week in Wales 12 babies will be born with a learning disability.

There are over 60,000 people with a learning disability in Wales.

Mencap Cymru is the leading Welsh charity working with children and adults with a learning disability, their families and carers. We fight to end discrimination and prejudice, and provide a wide range of quality services.

Mencap Cymru are driven by a passionate belief that people with a learning disability should have equal rights and chances in society.

We fight to change laws and services, and directly support thousands of people to live their lives the way that they want. Mencap Cymru provides a full range of services, enabling people with a learning disability to lead fulfilled and independent lives.

Trek Patagonia October 2008

Wales and Patagonia share a unique relationship.

On 24 May 1865, bound for a new life in South America, 162 passengers from all over Wales boarded The Mimosa. The Mimosa landed at New Bay on 28 July 1865 and this date is still celebrated as "The Festival of Landing". The Welsh language is still spoken by about 5,000 people in Argentina, and an Eisteddfod is held every year.

Mencap Cymru are organising a trek in Patagonia in October 2008, and I am taking part.

This will be a special adventure, with 5 days trekking in the Los Glaciers National Park, which has stunning landscapes and majestic mountains. There are rare plants and wildlife and this can be enjoyed in the company of ornithologist and BBC Wales personality Iolo Williams.

Following the trek there will be a trip to see the southern right whales at the Peninsula Valdes. To complete the trip there will be a visit to the Welsh speaking community in Gaiman.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

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Many thanks for your support.