Ryan treks 1,450 miles over 98 days for Velindre
A MAN who walked across the length of the UK in 98 days has raised an incredible £17,000 for charity – more than treble his initial target of £5,000.
Ryan Owen, 43, completed the gruelling challenge walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats in October, but then returned home to the Cynon Valley to add even more fundraising to his total.
And he did just that, raising a huge total of £17,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre, to help the charity buy new equip- ment. Ryan, from Trecynon, near Aberdare, explained: “When I set off into the unknown that day from Land’s End, I just told myself I was going for a ‘long walk’ and hopefully I would raise some money along the way.
“Not for one moment did I believe it would lead to such great things – I can’t thank all the people that supported me enough, it’s been an excellent and totally humbling experience indeed.”
On July 1, 2016, Ryan set off from Land’s End, planning to climb the three highest mountains of Wales, England and Scotland – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – along the way.
He explained: “I slept in a tent for the duration of the walk, politely turning down kind offers of a roof over my head for the night from people I met – even when I was faced with rain and gales.”
Then, 98 days later, on October 6, after walking 1,450 miles and completing the national three peaks on foot, he reached John O’Groats
At that stage he had raked in £8,000 for Velindre.
He funded the whole trip himself so that all money raised would go straight to the cancer charity.
And he said he had also received personal video messages of support from celebrities including Rhod Gilbert, Coleen Nolan and Shaun Edwards along the way.
But not content on stopping there, he was asked to give a talk in front of the pupils at Pontypridd High School, also holding a charity night at a local pub, where he gave a talk and presentation in front of 100 people.
He explained: “All of these things combined helped to raise a grand total of £17,000 for Velindre – money that can help buy new equipment, medicines and help train new nurses.
“My dad, Keith, was treated at Velindre nearly 10 years ago, and he always spoke very highly of the staff there, so it’s a cause very close to my heart.”
To donate to Ryan’s cause, click here: https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/RyanOwen4