Sponsored Walk - Following in the Footsteps of Ian Botham

Courageous father and son duo Gareth John Davis and Geraint John Davies, from Aberdare walked 26 miles from the Law Courts in Merthyr Tydfil to the Rhondda Heritage Park. Following in the footsteps of Ian Botham's historic 9 day walk for the Noah's Ark Appeal they managed to raise over £1000.

Mrs Davies commented, "We thought that if Ian Botham who's from England feels strongly enough to walk over 210 miles to raise money for the first Children's Hospital in Wales, then someone from Wales should do it too. Children, friends and neighbours in the local community have all contributed money and it is still coming in."

Father and son followed the route Ian walked on day 5, of the Ian Botham Valleys Walk 2003, which raised an outstanding £430,000 for the Children's Hospital for Wales.

They didn't manage to beat Botham's time, who walked at an awe inspiring 4.5 miles per hour, but came close, taking an outstanding 5 hours and 50 minutes to walk the 26 mile route. The hardy pair started of at 6.00am on Christmas Morning and finished at 11.50am.

Mr Lyn Jones, Chairman of the Appeal said, "It's a marvellous achievement and I can't think of a better Christmas present for a father to give to his son than to do such a special walk on such a special day."