A man is putting his best foot forward to raise money for a local children’s hospice charity with an epic walk from the bottom to the top of Wales.

Gareth Hughes, 61, of Old Colwyn, set off from Cardiff Castle on Monday and over six days will walk the length of the country to arrive home at Conwy Castle.

His brave effort will be raising funds for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices who have a facility for seriously ill children and their families in the Conwy Valley.

Gareth, who owns Colwyn Interiors, said: “I’ve known of Tŷ Gobaith for many years and whilst I was doing this challenge wanted to try and raise some money for them.

“I’ll be going with two friends and we’re all really up for it.

“We’ll be doing around 25 miles a day but will bank more if we’re feeling good.”

  • You can sponsor Gareth in his efforts here

Gareth has been completing training walks and even carrying his golf clubs around his local course instead of using a trolley.

He continued: “We’re not really nervous, but know it’s tough coming into North Wales as it gets hilly.

“We’ll be staying at local B&Bs along the way and have the first three nights planned but will arrange the rest on the road.

“My friend Roy is a cartographer (mapping specialist) so the route is well planned and hopefully we’ll have friends and family to greet us at Conwy when we finish.”

Gareth will be joined by his friends Mark McClinden and Roy Chape for the journey who will be raising money for Motor Neurone Disease and Cancer Research respectively.

Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser, Andy Everley, said: “We are so grateful to Gareth for taking on this challenge and to all the generous people who have sponsored him.

“Every penny he raises will go directly to supporting local children and families.

“We hope the weather is kind for his very tough walk and we will all be rooting for him every step of the way.”