Hi! I'm Richard....partner to Suzanne and dad to Seren and Jacob. I work full time, self employed, as a master of all things building! I can pretty much turn my hand to anything, which I shoud really keep quiet about as it always earns me a long to do list at home!

Our daughter, now 19 months, was diagnosed with Bilateral Sturge Weber Syndrome at 14 days old. Our lives have been in turmoil ever since, with Seren spending more than half her life thus far in hospital, which includes 7 intensive care admissions at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

We attended the Sturge Weber UK Charity Family Weekend in 2022, which initially felt like a punch in the face with the reality of how our lives were likely to be. It crushed us, but together we picked ourselves up and sought support from others in the charity who had walked this path before us, making friends, which we believe will be lifelong. We wouldn't have got through it without them. This evil diagnosis has resulted in our paths crossing with some very valued people, some of whom were not members of the Charity but have a family member with Sturge Weber. They have since joined the Charity and we are keen to help others feel the togetherness and support ....I would describe the charity as "....by the members for the members".

So, the Welsh 3000 challenge as a fundraiser for the Sturge Weber UK Charity.....seeded from a conversation at the family weekend in 2023 about wanting to give back, showing our support and gratitude. Although if I'm honest I didn't think it would materialise! Little did I know I was discussing it with the man, a keen walker, that has walked 188 of the Welsh mountains and someone that "makes it happen". Plus, my partner having Welsh routes made it a "meant to be" act. The challenge is like nothing I've ever done before. My love of music will be carrying me through the low points of this walk but I will be on the other side smiling with a stronger mindset about the future with the knowledge that we have given something back to this amazing charity. Quite blatantly it is helping me take care of me, so I can take care of my family # men's mental health.

Our experience thus far of this diagnosis and all that comes with it, has taught us that inclusion and empowerment are vital and we know that the Charity is passionate about ensuring this ethos within continues to grow and we raise awareness of this rare condition amongst professionals and the general public. Your support will help us to achieve this.

A group of dads who are members of our charity as they each have a child affected by Sturge Weber Syndrome have decided that they would like to do the Welsh 3000 challenge to raise money for our charity, awareness of the condition and promote men’s mental health.   

Their aim is to raise much needed awareness for the rare neurological condition Sturge Weber Syndrome which affects approximately 1 in every 20,000-50,000 individuals.  The most common issues associated with Sturge Weber Syndrome are a port wine stain, glaucoma, epilepsy, and autism.  

This is not a challenge for the faint hearted! In order to complete the Welsh 3000s Challenge they will be required to have been at the top of all 15 of the mountains over 3000 feet in Wales within the space of 24 hours, without using any form of transport. The length is about 24 miles, but the walks to the start point and down from the finish point can take it to over 30 miles in total.