A WELSH Guard from Penarth who served in the Falklands conflict is part of a team of veterans aiming to walk the entire coastal path of Wales, starting this weekend – and raise one million pounds!
Mark Horwood is part of a group of 13 vets raising money for the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal and charity, Combat Stress, both of which provide physical and mental care for injured service personnel and their families.
The Walk on Wales challenge will cover 870 miles, starting at The Senedd on Sunday (August 25), and finishing there on November 2.
It will be broken up into eleven stages with Lifelong Penarthian Mark leading stage 4 from Angelsey to Whistling Sands on the Llywn peninsula.
The 52-year-old will also walk the final leg, from Swanbridge back to the Senedd - passing through Penarth - covering 93 miles across six days of walking.
Mark said it was an ambitious challenge, but one he was confident could be completed.
"This fundraising walk, to me, not only supports two fantastic charities, it's much more than that,” said the former Stanwell School student.
“ It also says to the families of our fallen brothers, and those that are injured both physically and mentally, that we will never forget their sacrifice.
“Once a member of the Welsh Guards, always a member of the Welsh Guards family.”
The walkers will carry a commemorative silver baton with the names of the 50 Welsh Guards that have been killed in the various conflicts since the end of WW2. This will be laid to rest at Llandaff Cathedral after.
The Prince of Wales is the patron for the charity bid, which has already received considerable media publicity.
Fellow vet and friend of Mark, Dai Graham, came up with the idea, along with Jam Koops, who will walk the entire path.
Locals are encouraged to register to take part in final leg of the walk, and support the appeal.
“It is most defiantly the largest charity event in Wales this year,” added Mark.
To make a donation or sponsor Mark contact him on 07515714733.
For more information see http://www.walkonwales.org/
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