I'm raising money in memory of my dear friend Carwyn.

We were in a band called 'The Sillies'. We often talked about being on the look out for new members, particularly people who could sing and play instruments, because the only thing we were good at was being silly. I used to tease him for loving Manchester United football team (he didn't, he adored Liverpool. I can hear him saying 'Oi you!' right now. He would have been ecstatic to know they won the Premier League this year, and would likely be impressed that I know this!).

He managed to persuade me to go to the pub once and watch a Rugby game with him, and he explained rules to me patiently. I can't remember who won that day, but I will always treasure the memories we made.

Covid put a stop to us being in each other's company, but after the first lockdown was lifted, we sat in his garden 2 meters apart, and tried to have a socially distanced selfie. It didn't work out well, but we had fun trying. I think he found me running around his garden the fun part to be honest. We were disappointed that it was overcast that day, so I drew a sun in one of the photos that was taken. I also have a photo of him looking serious, he rarely looked serious, but when he did, I thought there was a Marlon Brandoness air about him, but he's the last person who'd put a horse's head in your bed.

We had a lot secret handshakes because we'd keep forgetting what we'd just done ('What was it again?' 'That was a good one! What did we just do?').

I met Carwyn not long after I started volunteering for Radio Bronglais. We used to the Request Show together, and we had a lot of fun doing it. We did Outside Broadcasts together too, which included covering the Cycle Fest and Sea to Shore Festival. I wasn’t very good at talking to people but Carwyn made it seem easy, and we'd end up lots of great interviews. He loved the radio, and the radio loved him too.

As I mentioned above, Carwyn loved sport, and he would text me to tell me the Aberystwyth Football score. I never managed to get to see a football game with him though. As I said he was a proud supporter of Liverpool and he was also very proud to be a member of Ser Aber Stars football team.

I’ve decided to do a climbing challenge because I wanted to do something in Carwyn’s memory, and something that would challenge me on a personal level. When I was younger I had a scary experience rock climbing and I think it’s time to face my fears. People who know me have all looked at me with uncertainty when I told them my initial plan to climb one of the tallest indoor climbing walls in Wales, as they know it’s something I’m scared of. But Carwyn didn’t seem to be scared of anything, and he used to make me feel brave.

I have since changed my challenge to climbing the equivalent of the height of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on Indoor walls. That is climbing a total of 1085 metres (my palms are so sweaty typing this! I will definitely need lots of chalk!)

Carwyn was a special person who touched many lives. I'm sure everyone who knew him would agree that he had a friendly demeanor, the best laugh in the world and that 1000 watt smile. He also gave the best hugs, once he had his arm around you, you were stuck. I really hope to make him proud with this challenge.

The money raised through this challenge will be divided evenly between Radio Bronglais and Ser Aber Stars football team.