After enduring over 140 miles of Wales' toughest terrains, The Walk 2025 team credits Welsh communities for their vital support.

On Thursday, June 12, The Walk 2025 team crossed into England — but say it was the support and spirit of Welsh communities that carried them through the hardest days of their journey and to keep fundraising.

Setting off from Llangwm, Pembrokeshire on June 5, the four walkers — Neil Hames, Marc Brook, Paul Maynard and Mike Rose — have faced steep coastal climbs, harsh mountain weather, blisters, sore knees and sheer exhaustion during their challenging 11-day trek in honour of loved ones lost and affected by heart disease and cancer.

Beginning the 225-mile walk from his mother’s home village allowed Neil to honour both his father, Wally, in whose memory the walk is dedicated, and pay a heartfelt tribute his Welsh roots and to his parents, making the Welsh leg of the journey especially meaningful. The Hames family spent many years visiting the area, building memories and deep ties with the local community.

From the brutal elevation changes of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to the mist-shrouded summits of the Brecon Beacons, the route pushed the team to their physical and emotional limits. Day 5, which included multiple summits and hours without mobile signal, was described as a “reality check” by the group - with their location unknown for hours due to weather and terrain.

Day 6 saw them reach Pen y Fan in dense fog, unable to see more than a few feet ahead, but every challenge was met with humour, teamwork - and Welsh hospitality.

“Wales gave us our biggest tests but also our biggest lifts,” said Neil. “Everywhere we went, people stopped us, asked what we were doing and donated or shared their own stories. Those moments gave us real strength when things got tough. It really felt like we were walking with Wales behind us””

As The Walk 25 continues towards Birmingham, the team remains grateful for the many Welsh individuals and families who cheered them on - some of whom say they plan to travel to the finish in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, this Sunday, Father’s Day June 15, to show their support and to continue to help them raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and Birmingham-based cancer charity Help Harry Help Others.

It’s not too late to support The Walk 2025, and the team is encouraging people across Wales to help the walkers achieve a strong finish. Supporters can donate online: www.the-walk2025.com and follow updates on Facebook – The Walk 2025.