Paul completes mountainous challenge
By Effective Communication
A Merthyr Tydfil man has spent the past 10 months climbing some of the highest peaks worldwide, in an incredible challenge to raise money for Cancer Research Wales – and is now preparing to be welcomed home.
Paul Thomas, 31, has reached the summits of Pen y Fan (March 2) and Snowdon in Wales (May 11), Ben Nevis in Scotland (July 12), Scafell Pike in the Lake District (August 2), Carrantuohill in Ireland (September 10), Mont Blanc in the Alps (October 17), and most recently the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest (November 20).
After the 18 day trek up Everest, rather than rest, Paul began a new quest to trek from Buckingham Palace to his home town 140 miles away. Hiking 25 miles a day, Paul is currently following the right hand corridor of the M4 through towns and villages with the help of a support vehicle supplied by Merthyr Storage.
A pit stop in Cardiff tomorrow (Wednesday 16) will see Paul bucket collecting and raising further funds in the city centre, before continuing through Treharris and Troedyrhiw, and finally arriving home on Thursday December 17, where he will be welcomed by the Mayor of Merthyr, and friends and family.
Paul has been raising money Cancer Research Wales, after his cousin Melanie Jones, of Penydarren, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Having been successfully treated at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, where Cancer Research Wales has its headquarters, Melanie has made a full recovery.
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 over the past year I have dedicated so much time and effort to raise money for such a worthwhile charity.
“The training throughout the year has been intense – not something an inexperienced climber should try. My military background certainly came into use.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me, my sponsors, and my good friend Scott Cullen who climbed several of the mountains with me.”
Liz Andrews, deputy director for fundraising at Cancer Research Wales said; “We’re extremely grateful to Paul for 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.”
Paul is hoping to raise £7,000 and will be bucket collecting in Cardiff City Centre all day on Wednesday 16 December. Alternatively you can still sponsor Paul. Please visit www.justgiving.com/paul-thomas1 or contact Liz Andrews on 0292031 6976.
