Caerphilly man climbs Pen y Fan seven days in a row to raise £4k

Anthony Williams at the top of Pen y Fan alongside his daughter, far left, and members of networking group BNI Intrepid

A Caerphilly man has raised more than £4,000 for charity by walking 100 miles and reaching the summit of Pen y Fan – the highest mountain in south Wales – seven days in a row.

Anthony Williams, 46, completed the challenge in June to raise money for Parkinson’s UK and Dementia UK and has doubled his initial fundraising target of £2,000.

He was inspired to take on the challenge by his friend’s father, who is living with Parkinson’s, as well as his own father, who had dementia.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a neurological condition which affects around 145,000 people in the UK, and 7,600 in Wales.

There are more than 40 symptoms, including tremors, pain and anxiety.

The condition is caused by the brain cells that make dopamine start to die.

There is currently no cure.

Anthony said: “Through a conversation with my good friend, I learned his dad has Parkinson’s and after hearing how it has affected his dad and the whole family, I decided to make my challenge a fundraising event.

“Parkinson’s has robbed my friend’s father of what made him amazing and unique. A fiercely independent man, he now struggles to get up from a chair or make any coherent sense when communicating. It is heartbreaking. Things that you and I take for granted become incredibly difficult for people living with Parkinson’s.”

Fundraiser Anthony Williams with wife Bronagh

He added: “Imagine not being able to dress yourself, go for a long walk or even smile. Parkinson’s is misunderstood by so many.

“Thanks to everyone’s support, the money I have raised will go towards pioneering research, care and support for people living with Parkinson’s and their families who are affected by it.”

Ann Rowe, Head of Regional Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said she was “so grateful” to Anthony for raising money for the charity.

She said: “With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the last 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

“Fundraisers like Anthony help us to drive forward the groundbreaking research we need to transform the lives of people affected by the condition.”

To donate to Anthony’s cause, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AnthonyWilliams64

Parkinson's UK

Man climbs Pen y Fan seven days in a row to raise more than £4k for charity

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