South Wales Dad's 192 mile charity walk ends in Barry

Friday, 9 May 2025 12:25

By Nathan Spackman X @nathanspackman

A dad from Newport is set to complete his 192-mile charity walk in Barry this evening.

Richard Hughes has been walking from Billericay to Barry, inspired by Gavin and Stacey, raising funds for Young Lives vs Cancer.

His journey began on Monday, 5th May at Billeracy Town FC, with his 192-mile journey seeing Richard arrive at The Ship Inn on Friday evening, having raised almost £4,000 for charity.

Speaking to Bro Radio News, Richard said the challenge has been harder than he anticipated.

"It's been equally horrendous as it has been beautiful, but I've enjoyed the challenge. It's been hard work and probably harder than I anticipated before I started," said Richard.

"I usually love the sun, but when it's sunny like this, it's quite zapping. So I've been melting a bit. I've been trying to drink lots of water, and I've had some amazing people coming out of their houses to bring me water, and one woman brought me a rocket lolly in the middle of Oxfordshire, which has kept me going, those sort of things."

Richard took on the challenge after losing both his dad and stepdad to the disease, using his love for the BBC hit programme to help with his fundraising efforts.

"We've had various family members pass away to cancer, so I sort of have a personal vendetta against the disease anyway. Things changed when I became a father, my boy is nearly five and my daughter nearly 2 and whenever I saw young children with cancer and the challenges families need to go through, I knew it was a young cancer charity I'd be supporting."

"The work that Young Lives vs Cancer do supporting the families who are dealing with this horrendous disease is so important. The things that people wouldn't even think about, like commuting back and fourth for treatments, feeding other children in the family, taking time off work and not being paid, Young Lives supports all of that."

Richard Hughes. Image: Instagram

On average, families of a child with cancer have to pay out £700 extra a month on costs such as travel to and from the hospital, food and clothing.

Young Lives vs Cancer provides support to children and their families, accommodation close to hospitals where families can stay together during treatment for free, and grants to help them navigate the costs of cancer.

The charity relies on donations to fund its vital work supporting children and young people facing cancer and their families across the UK.

As Richard approached Barry on Friday evening, he's on course to raise £4,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

You can support Richard's 192-mile walk via www.justgiving.com

Do you have a story to share? Email News@broradio.fm 

 

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