American man in bid to become ‘officially Welsh’
THIS American man is so desperate to be Welsh he is taking on huge challenges in an attempt to earn his place in the country.
Ben Treharne-Foose, who is originally from Illinois, has fallen in love with Wales since moving here 10 years ago.
And he wants to become “officially Welsh” – or at least to gain a British passport. So, as well as the administrative side of things, he set himself lots of “Welshness” challenges, some of which he has already done. His latest will see him attempt the “Welsh three peaks” challenge in a single day this weekend.
Ben, who lives in Porth and works for Webfibre in Llantrisant, said: “I have set myself challenges to earn my place in this great nation. I’ve braved the icy waters of the New Year’s Day Swim in Barry, I’ve had an allotment in the Rhondda, I’ve sung Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau on the pitch at a rugby international in Cardiff, I’ve cursed the toll on the Severn Bridge, I’ve attended Welsh classes for three years and still can’t string a sentence together, been featured on BBC Radio Wales. I’ve even danced with a Mari Lwyd.
“But my next challenge, to climb the Welsh three peaks, will test me physically. And I don’t mean in the way a kebab on Chippy Lane tests you physically.
“It’s to prove myself worthy amongst a country that gave us Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins and Shane Williams.”
Ben, 38, met his wife Gemma, from Tonyrefail, while teaching English in Japan in 2004.
The couple then moved to Wales in 2007 and now have a seven-year-old daughter, Lili.
Ben said: “I’ve been here 10 years now and I just love it. People often ask me why, when we could live in the US, why we want to be here.
“The Rhondda has one of the highest levels of deprivation across Europe, but the quality of life is still much better than where I am from. The people are amazing and I definitely feel more at home here than I do in the US. We have got no plans to ever move back.”
He will take on the epic challenge this Saturday and will raise money for charity Mind, as part of Mental Health Awareness Week.
It will involve climbing Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan – a total walking distance of 17 miles and ascent of almost 5,000ft, after travelling by road between the three mountains.
He said: “That’s a hell of a lot of one foot in front of the other. It will be the longest walk I have ever done – I’m not really into heavy fitness.
“I’m putting myself through this not only to earn my Welsh badge, but also to raise money for a Welsh charity.”
Ben said he was spurred on by the current situation in America, particularly now Donald Trump is the president, and he said: “Now is the time to earn my badge and show I deserve to be here.”
As well as filling relevant documentation to get a British passport, Ben also hopes to complete other tasks, such as shearing a sheep.
“So come on, you must have a few pounds, dollars, euros, yen, won, krona, cluttering up your bank account. Have a spring clean and pass it on to help a charity. It feels good. Enjoy the endorphins!
“Anyone interested in giving me a foot massage on Sunday is welcome to pop by, but please form an orderly queue.”
To donate Ben’s cause visit www. gofundme.com/WelshFoose