Dr Richard Mottershead, Professor of Nursing from Llangynhafal, is preparing to climb Mount Ararat in Turkey, which stands at more than 16,800 feet above sea level and is the highest mountain in Turkey.

Richard is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for Change Step, Adferiad’s veterans’ service, with this year’s fundraising supporting the provision of 50 Christmas meals for homeless and vulnerable veterans across Wales.

Richard has been a long-term advocate for veterans and military families within Wales. He said:

“I’ve been involved in supporting the development of Change Step from its very beginning around 15 years ago. My goal is to provide Christmas meals for veterans who may otherwise face Christmas without the warmth and companionship many of us take for granted. Mount Ararat will be a real test of endurance, with altitude, freezing temperatures and difficult mountain conditions. But every difficult step will have a purpose. I’ll be climbing for veterans who have faced challenges far greater than anything I will experience on a mountain.”

Richard is self-funding the Mount Ararat expedition, so all funds raised through the challenge will go directly towards the Change Step Christmas Meals Challenge.

Local businesses supporting the Christmas meals:

This year’s Christmas meals are being supported by a number of local businesses and organisations, helping Change Step to make the fundraising go further.

The Drovers Pub in Rhewl will be preparing the Christmas dinners, supporting Change Step as a local business and coordinating with the charities who deliver the meals for veterans across the region.

The Rhug Estate, through Lord Newborough, will once again provide award-winning produce for the Christmas meals.

The support from these local businesses means that donations raised through Richard’s challenge can go further towards providing meals for homeless and vulnerable veterans supported by Change Step. 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 quality 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.”

A personal connection to Turkey

Richard has also been awarded a full PhD scholarship by the Government of Iraq, becoming the first nurse and first non-Arab to receive the honour. His research involves a global study into migration, mental health and wellbeing, working with multiple nations and governments.

Turkey was the first country to offer support for the research through Professor Dr Yasemin Buran Cirak of Istinye University. Professor Buran Cirak championed the need for a compassionate global study but sadly passed away unexpectedly this year.

Richard will dedicate his Mount Ararat climb to her legacy, her family and her colleagues.

Help support the Change Step Christmas Meals Challenge

Funds raised through Richard’s challenge will help Change Step provide Christmas meals for homeless and vulnerable veterans across Wales.

With Richard funding the expedition himself, donations made through this page will go towards the Christmas Meals Challenge, alongside the generous contributions of local businesses and supporters.

Please support Richard’s Mount Ararat challenge and help us provide Christmas meals for veterans supported by Change Step this Christmas.