Merthyr Men’s Epic Mountainous Challenge
By Effective Communication
TWO men from Merthyr Tydfil have set themselves a mountainous challenge – to climb some of the highest peaks worldwide, all to help fight against cancer in Wales.
Paul Thomas,31, a soft drinks company manager, made a new year’s resolution to climb seven of some of the toughest mountains on earth in just one year; Pen y Fan and Snowdon in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District, Carrantuohill in Ireland, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and finally, Mount Everest in the Himalayas – the highest mountain in the world.
Paul and Scott will be raising money for indigenous Welsh cancer charity, Cancer Research Wales, after both men were touched by the illness. Paul’s cousin Melanie Jones, of Penydarren, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and was successfully treated at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, where Cancer Research Wales has its headquarters. Melanie has since made a full recovery.
In March, Paul began his epic journey, and during a trek up the highest mountain in South Wales, Pen y Fan, he met fellow climber – and now climbing partner – Scott Cullen, also from his home town of Merthyr Tydfil.
Scott, 21, a postman in Merthyr, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just twelve years old, and has also made a full recovery from cancer. Scott and Paul decided to join forces on the challenge, and have already reached the summit of Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scarfell Pike earlier this month (2nd August).
Paul said: “Cancer is an illness that affects 1 in 3 of us. Having known someone who has gone through it myself, I’ve seen the benefits of researching new and pioneering treatments, to help give people a better chance of recovery.
“That’s why throughout 2009 I’m dedicating 30 days to raise money for such a worthwhile charity.
“Knowing the fitness required to complete the remaining climbs, we started a solid eight week training schedule walking five miles a day, seven days a week, building up the weight of our rucksacks each week to an eventual 70 pounds.
“Snowdon put our fitness to the test, but Ben Nevis has been the toughest challenge so far.
Paul and Scott are hoping to raise £1,000 per mountain, totaling £7,000 for Cancer Research Wales.
Liz Andrews, deputy director for fundraising at Cancer Research Wales said; “We’re delighted that Paul and Scott are taking on such an incredible challenge to help Cancer Research Wales. The money raised will stay in Wales and will help fund groundbreaking research into cancer and its treatments. We wish them the best of luck with their training and fundraising over the coming months.”
Paul and Scott are funding their climbs with local sponsors; owner of Merthyr Self Storage Shahid Karim, Tahir Karim manager of Mr Auto in Aberdare, Zahid Karim who owns Nationwide Claims Ltd, and Leonard Morris owner of the Bruce Hotel in Dowlais.
The pair are still looking for sponsors to fund their Kilimanjaro hike.
Paul said: “We owe a huge thanks to our sponsors who are giving us this opportunity to help a fantastic charity. I am still actively seeking sponsorship, so if there is anyone out there who wants to help, please get in touch.”
Thinking ahead, Paul has now vowed to summit five of Europe’s toughest mountains in 2010 including the French Alps, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
To sponsor Paul and Scott, please visit www.justgiving.com/paul-thomas1 or contact Liz Andrews on 0292031 6976.
