The Walk 2025 – Day 1: A Rainy Start to a Remarkable Journey
Llangwm, Pembrokeshire (Thursday 5 June 2025) – The Walk 2025 is officially underway. Braving the rain, four lifelong friends set off from Llangwm this morning on an emotional 225-mile trek to Birmingham for dads and loved ones and in support of two vital charities: the British Heart Foundation and Help Harry Help Others.
Pembrokeshire County Councillor, Michael John, launched the walk with heartfelt words:
“Your motto – Inspired by life’s journeys – couldn’t be more fitting. This is not just a physical challenge, it’s a journey of hearts, minds and spirit. Best of luck reaching Birmingham by Father’s Day!”
The team - Neil Hames, Marc Brook, Paul Maynard and Mike Rose - departed from Llangwm Village RFC, along with Cllr Michael, David Dowling and Mikey Phillips, with support from family, friends, and local well-wishers. Cerys Jenkins from British Heart Foundation Wales also joined the send-off, offering both personal and professional encouragement.
Today’s route took them 22.6 miles through Neyland, Burton, Pembroke Dock, Pembroke and Bosherston, finishing in Manorbier — with rain giving way to welcome sunny spells along the way.
Neil said the first day was tough: "I wanted to start The Walk from Llangwm, where my mother, Marina, is from - we’ve spent so much time here as a family over the years. It was me that wanted to walk the Pembrokeshire coast because it's beautiful. I'm just so pleased to have finished – but I just don't know how we're going to feel in the morning.
“The support we've had has been incredible, and the community gave us a fantastic send-off this morning and we’ve met plenty of generous well-wishers along the way. The first day was tough, but it’s been a joy to be together, walking in memory of our dads and everyone affected by heart disease and cancer."
Inspired by the memory of Neil’s father, Wally Hames, who passed in 2020, the group will walk for 11 days through some of Britain’s most scenic landscapes. Their journey ends on Father’s Day, June 15, in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square—a powerful tribute to the fathers they honour and the lives they hope to change through their fundraising efforts.
Follow their journey on social media: #TheWalk2025
Website: https://www.the-walk
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewalk2025/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570579292699
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-walk2025/
Donate to The Walk: https://www.the-walk.info/donations