A PENARTH man is urging people to join him in walking the Wales Coast Path to reach his target of £1 million for cancer research.

Craig Maxwell, of Penarth, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in September 2022 and has since dedicated his time to raising money for charity by launching the Maxwell Family Genetics Fund to help others in their fight against the disease.

So far, the father of two has raised 930,000 thousand pounds and is getting closer to his target of £1 million.

Mr Maxwell is now calling on the people of Wales to join him in a Wales Coast Path challenge to walk the coast in 26 days to kick off 2024.

The event will start in Chester on Wednesday, February 14 and will end at the Principality Stadium on Sunday, March 10 at the Guinness Six Nations clash between Wales and France. 

Mr Maxwell accompanied by his children, Isla and Zach will carry the match ball onto the pitch.

He said: “We are embarking on a monumental challenge to symbolise hope, resilience, and unity, and raise over £1 million for the research and development of new and innovative cancer testing and treatments in Wales.

Penarth Times: Craig Maxwell and his wife with their children Isla (R) and Zach (L). Picture: SuppliedCraig Maxwell and his wife with their children Isla (R) and Zach (L). Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

“Having surpassed our initial fundraising goals of £300,000 for QuicDNA, we hope people will join us in taking on the Wales Coast Path Challenge. It will be our most ambitious journey yet as we strive to create a community united against cancer across the length and breadth of Wales.

“Cancer has touched our lives, and challenged our resilience, but it will not define our future. This event will see people from all over Wales stand united as individuals and as a formidable force against cancer.”

The former Welsh Rugby Union director is aiming to walk 780 miles of the Welsh coastal path, which will represent the 78 days it took to receive his diagnosis from the point of finding his tumour.

The rest of the route will be cycled, each day of walking offers 30 spaces, inviting participants to raise £500 for the fund and take on the challenge of 26 miles a day through breathtaking Welsh countryside.

Mr Maxwell will be joined by a different Welsh celebrity each day of his walk, such as TV presenter Gethin Jones and former rugby players Sam Warburton, Jamie Roberts and Josh Navidi along with Velindre ambassador Johnathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies.