TWO SWANSEA students, Chris Church and Ash Gardner, are set to spend their Easter holidays on a gruelling 315 mile trek across isolated regions of mid-Wales in order to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
With the company of friend Richard Kerr, the trip will begin by walking from Swansea to Cardiff in order to link the trip to the university, then following the ‘Cambrian Trail’ across Wales to Conwy in the north. The route, dubbed “The mountain connoisseur’s walk” will incorporate the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, Devils Bridge, Cadair Idris and then finally Snowdon – and will take a month to complete.
The cause is close to both the students hearts, giving them a great deal of inspiration to draw upon and keep going - with cancer having had a personal effect on both of their families. Ash described the route as “trying at best” and that is seemed logical “to use it as an opportunity to generate money for a great cause. I lost my Uncle two years ago to cancer and Chris currently has family members suffering with this disease, so Cancer Research UK seemed like a perfect choice”.
Fundraising is nothing new to Ash, who previously scaled Mt. Kinabalu (the highest mountain in South East Asia) in order to raise money for Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary; whilst this will be the first such expedition for Chris, who said he was “very excited” to challenge himself whilst raising money for a charity close to their hearts.
The target is to raise £315, a pound for every mile, though it is hoped that the target can be far exceeded.
Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/waleswalk2011, whilst Ash is hoping to be able to make progress updates via http://waleswalk2011.blogspot.com. Everyone at The Waterfront wishes them the best of luck!