On the 6th of June last year, 2024. We heard the news regarding the unexpected, sudden, and untimely death of my beloved brother Chris Davies.

He's left behind a family that truly misses him, in the time since it's been an arduous journey for us to navigate our grief. For me, it also compounded years of grief and the loss of family and friends. For this, I sought some help to navigate these emotions.

Just over the past year has also seen the loss of my Brother-In-Law David and Uncle-In-Law Terry to Cancer. My Uncle Keith in West Wales. We even lost our beloved family dog Poosh. All to put it bluntly.. floored me. Compounding this, losing our parents at a young age. It all added up over the years to the extent that last year, I just had to stop, take a beat, rethink my life.

I was recommended to contact Marie Curie. I was admittedly reticent to do so, as I felt like a fraud requesting assistance from such a wonderful organization, in my mind focused on alleviating the suffering of Cancer patients and their families. I learned that this is not entirely the case, with Marie Curie supporting anyone with long-term illnesses and their families. As a result, I have been supported by their counseling team for the past 8 weeks. I cannot express enough how much of a help to me this has been. It's supported my steps following a mindfulness journey and stoicism, buoyed by the love of my family and help from our family GP. I need to say here, that I was in a very dark place, and reading into that, I hope you can appreciate how incredible the support has been, not only bringing my smile back, not just my old self, but a better self.

With a clearer head and vision. I am at the point where I want to say THANK YOU to Marie Curie for their help, remember those who have gone, and at the same time. Get fit.

The question was What, When, Where, How.. because I certainly knew the Why.

The answer is.. Quentin Tarantino.

I will explain.

Me and Chris had a shorthand. When we spoke on the phone we often made each other chuckle with Tarantino quotes.

Well, to quote Samuel L Jackson in the classic film Pulp Fiction..

VINCENT: So if you're quitting the life, what'll you do?

JULES: That's what I've been sitting here contemplating. First, I'm gonna deliver this case to Marsellus. Then, basically, I'm gonna walk the earth.

VINCENT: What do you mean, walk the earth?

JULES: You know, like Caine in "KUNG FU." Just walk from town to town, meet people, get in adventures.

Its not quite the Earth but on the 6th September, I am taking on a 24-mile trail across the Gower Peninsula. Hiking across the iconic Rhossili Bay – home to vast, open beaches with beautiful dunes and surfers out catching waves. I hope to spot some of the local wildlife, including Atlantic grey seals, dolphins, and harbour porpoises! It's a short drive from the city of Swansea, and the South Wales trail isn't far from the Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth.

I am training to Beat the Trails for Marie Curie and help people get the best care possible, to the end and for their families.

All the money raised will help Marie Curie provide vital care and support to people living with a terminal illness, and their families at the toughest time.

Through this link, the money goes directly to them for their marvelous work.

£3 helps fund a meal for a patient in one of their hospices.

£26 helps help fund an hour of bereavement support by phone or webchat.

£207 helps fund nine hours of overnight nursing care in a patient's home.

I know times are hard. However, without the support of Marie Curie. I don't believe I would have been strong enough to write this, let alone think about a 24-mile hike.

Your generosity would be very VERY welcome! Diolch/Thank You!