In April this year I will be embarking on my biggest challenge yet, trekking the Great Wall of China in support of Tŷ Hafan. The charity is so close to my heart and has provided much support for my family.

Tŷ Hafan offers comfort, care and support to life-limited children and their families, throughout Wales. They support the families in the hospice, in the community and in their homes, making sure they can make the most of the time they have left together, making memories that can be treasured forever.

My little cousin Louis was referred to Tŷ Hafan when he was 5 months old. He had a life-limiting condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1. Most babies with this condition don't live to see their first birthdays, but Louis was a true super hero. Tŷ Hafan allowed Louis, his mum & dad and little brother to make the most of their time together. For 3 years Tŷ Hafan gave Louis the most wonderful experiences and do things the family never thought possible. Louis enjoyed music & play therapy sessions at home, which he absolutely loved. He was able to go swimming in the special pool at Tŷ Hafan with his mum & Dad and he was able to get involved in lots of fun activities and make some very special friends. 

Louis sadly passed away in September 2016, the family were overwhelmed with the love & support from the staff at the hospice and this is why I want to give something back to them. 

The Great Wall Trek will be a really tough 5 day hike over 27 watch towers and mountains, through historic battlement stations that are well off the tourist trail and will also include conquering the gruelling 1,000 steps up to the wall at Mutianyu. I predict quite a few blisters after that one! I will also get the chance to lend a hand repairing a section of the Wall currently under reconstruction, my own small place in the Great Wall of China history. 

So, for the next few months I need to work on getting quite a few miles in these legs. I'm not sure the Pembrokeshire coast can prepare my feet for the pain that they will no doubt endure, and I'm certain I can't prepare my stomach for the chinese delicacies that await me. But I'm looking forward to taking it all on, and will be thinking of Louis every step of the way.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, reading my story and for your showing your support. Any donation you can make will really make a difference to children like Louis and their families.

Thank you,

Jack.

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