Fundraiser for T4 Neurology High Care ward at UHW Cardiff

In January 2012 whilst I was at work I received a phone call from my sister explaining that I needed to get to the hospital as our mum (59) had been rushed in, due to what looked like a stroke. It later came to light that our mother had experienced a major subarachnoid haemorrhage to the brain. Our mother was in a very bad way and at one point needed resuscitation as the impact of the bleed began to shut her body down.

Further tests and scans were done on mums brain which brought alarming news. Firstly the size of the bleed on the brain left the medical staff amazed how our mum had survived, but then went on to discover she had 9 brain aneurysms! Mum was placed under the care of Consultant Neurosurgeon Dr Asghar Baig. An incredible amazing man that I will be forever be indebted to for the rest of my life. Under his care and observation mum underwent major brain surgery numerous times involving craniotomy where large parts of the skull is removed to clip the aneurysms to prevent them from bursting. She also underwent aneurysm coiling which is done through the groin into the brain. Any families that have gone through these or similar experiences with a loved one will know only too well the risks involved and impact of the trauma of the surgery. Your world completely changes as with any life changing event.

We are so fortunate in South Wales to have such a skilled and dedicated neurology ward and the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The work that the Consultants, Doctors, Nurses and ward staff do is exemplary. These wards in particularly T4 High Care, really do work week in week out, in a high pressure environment but with a high level of care and compassion. Families live on these wards desperately hoping and praying for positive news as a loved one goes into the operating theatre often for hours.

Dr Baig and his medical colleagues did an amazing job in caring for my mother during those weeks we spent camped in the family waiting rooms. Although the impact of the haemorrhage would change our mum in many ways from how she used to be, I am forever grateful to the whole team on T4 for giving our family 13 years and hopefully more with Mum still in our lives.

I've always wanted to give something back to T4 as thank you for all they have done for my mother. I carry the heartfelt gratitude for all they have done for mum within me every day. As I turned 50 this year I wanted to set myself a challenge and wanted to do this many years ago but circumstances didn't allow it at the time. I have decided to raise funds for T4 Neurology Ward helping them to acquire much needed equipment like radios and fans for patients along with digital devices that can help families connect to their loved ones who cant make it to the ward as often as they would like.

I have been training for this challenge since September 2024. I have really pushed myself to get out there as often as I can and to get the miles in my legs. I love the outdoors as it helps look after our physical and mental health in such a huge way. I will be joined on this epic adventure by a close friend and work colleague Nathan Davies who is also raising funds for a charity close to his heart. So we both have lots of motivation and reasons within us to get us through the tough days ahead.

So what is the challenge we've set ourselves.......

What is the Challenge: Walking.... well that doesn't sound difficult, however the challenge will be to complete the 177miles [285km] Offa's Dyke path in 7 days, approx 90hours of walking, over 50 hill tops, visiting multiple towns and villages. I will be joined on this walk with my walking buddy, friend and work colleague Nathan Davies, who will also be raising money for a cause close to his heart. We will be wild camping along the way, so that means we need to carry, tents, sleeping bags, food, clothing, electrical items you name it we probably will be taking it.

Key Dates:

Start Date - Wednesday 16th April 2025

End Date - Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Day 1 - Prestatyn to Wernog = 24.8miles [40km]

Day 2 - Wernog to Tyn-Y-Coed = 29.3miles [47.08km]

Day 3 - Tyn-Y-Coed to Brompton Bridge = 29.3miles [47.8km]

Day 4 - Brompton Bridge to Penoffa = 21.4miles [34.48km]

Day 5 - Penoffa - Hay on Wye = 21.2miles [34.27km]

Day 6 - Hay on Wye - Monmouth = 29.4miles [47.32km]

Day 7 - Monmouth - Sedbury = 22.4miles [36.80km]

The Offa's Dyke in detail:

Offa's Dyke path Length - 177 miles [285km] from North to South Wales [Prestatyn to Sedbury/Chepstow]

Border crossings [Wales to England] - 20 times

Stiles climbed - over 250

Counties covered - Offa's Dyke weaves through 8 counties

Average time to complete - The Offa's Dyke Path usually takes about two weeks to complete

Overall height gained - over 29,000ft same height as everest

I know that times are financially hard for everyone. If you are able to make a donation no matter how small, it will be gratefully received. It will help motivate these old tired legs to keep taking one more step.

THANKYOU

History Offas Dyke https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offa%27s_Dyke

Please feel free to join in our journey via Nathan's instagram page: nathan.davies1980

Live updates will be shared via instagram during the challenge.