A PENARTH dad with lung cancer is six days away from finishing his Wales Coastal Path challenge – and has already raised an incredible £770,000.
Craig Maxwell, 41 is into the last week of his 26-day challenge – and is due to arrive at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.
At time of writing, the heroic dad was £230,000 off his target of raising £1 million for the Maxwell Family Fund, which works with Velindre Cancer Care, to enhance, improve and develop the cancer pathway.
Mr Maxwell arrived at Stackpole on Monday, March 4, to start his journey to Carmarthen.
On the West Wales leg of his walk, he was joined by celebrities such as Shane Williams, Liam Reardon, Sam Warburton, Ian Gough, Jamie Roberts, Ieaun Evans, Wynne Evans, Rupert Moon and more.
Speaking about the experience so far, Mr Maxwell said: “It has been amazing so far. The different people joining each day have lifted me.
“The rain on some days has been hard and I’ve got some epic Blisters, but apart from that, I’m feeling good.
“I’ve been overwhelmed that more than 550 walkers have signed up to join me and that we have raised over £700,000 it takes my breath away.”
The dad of two will begin his final leg of South Wales by cycling from Carmarthen to Rhossili on Wednesday, March 6 and will be joined by Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies.
On Thursday, March 7, he will walk from Rhossili to Swansea joined by Martyn Williams, Huw Bennett, and Nicky Robinson.
He will begin the last three days of his South Wales tour by walking from Swansea to Porthcawl with BBC weatherman Derek Brockway and sprinter Jamie Baulch.
He added: “I have been lucky to meet people along the way who going through similar experiences to myself, or their families are going through similar experiences, and I’ve found that emotional, yet inspiring to hear their stories.
“It has spurred me on to keep pushing so that we can create a better future for others going forward. Thanks again to everyone for their support.”
Mr Maxwell will arrive in Barry on Saturday, March 9 from Swansea.
The dad of two will then be joined by family and friends on Sunday, March 10 for his final walk to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wales play France in the fourth round of the Guinness Six Nations, Mr Maxwell, accompanied by his children Isla and Zach will carry the match ball onto the pitch ahead of the 3 pm kick-off.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here