Dr. Richard Mottershead is a Professor of Nursing from Llangynhafal. He is preparing to take on the formidable Mount Halgard—soaring 11,834 feet above sea level in Iraq’s rugged Kurdish region—in a daring bid to raise funds for Adferiad’s veterans’ charity ‘Change Step’. Richard says: “I been involved in supporting the development of Change Step from its very beginning 15 years ago. My goal is to provide Christmas meals for homeless veterans, but the climb will be anything but easy.

"It’s a perilous journey of endurance and heart with the freezing winds and razor-sharp ridges, an ascent not just for the summit, but for those who once faced their own battles.

"But I am far from alone in this challenge. Once again, Lord Newborough of the Rhug Estate has stepped forward to support the cause, generously donating his award-winning produce for the second year running."

Lord Newborough said: “It’s a privilege to once again support Richard and the ‘Change Step’ Christmas meals challenge, helping to provide a sense of warmth and belonging for veterans who have given so much. At Rhug, we believe that food has the power to bring people together, and there is no better example of that than this initiative. We’re proud that produce from our estate can play even a small part in such a meaningful cause.”

The festive meals will be lovingly prepared by Sue Kerby, the much-loved landlady of the Golden Lion Pub in Llangynhafal. Described as the beating heart of the campaign, Sue will lead the ‘Change Step’ “elves” in delivering a hearty Christmas feast to veterans across the region. Joining the effort for the first time this year, Ruthin Tesco has pledged to provide fresh vegetables and Christmas puddings—ensuring that every plate served is a true taste of home and gratitude for those who have served.

Richard is a visiting Professor in Iraq and says: “People there are so happy and proud that their national mountain is the focal point for this challenge." Richard is self-funding the challenge and every penny raised will go to the 'Change Step Christmas meals challenge'. This year the target is £650 for 50 meals to be distributed across Wales.

Please support this valiant endeavour.