Hi, my name is Anthony Bates and, along with my close friend Jamie Cassidy, I’ll be taking part in the Sea2Sky event on 5th September. The event covers 53km, starting and finishing at Barmouth Beach and includes summiting Cadair Idris.

We are taking on this challenge in memory of our dear friend, Huw Jones, who sadly passed away on 8th February 2026 at the Royal Liverpool Hospital at just 33 years of age, following a courageous battle with stage 4 cancer.

Huw was a loving partner to Cadi, a loyal friend, and most importantly, an incredible dad to his beautiful one-year-old son, Idris Jones. Even throughout his illness, Huw’s biggest concern was always Idris — making sure he would be cared for, supported, and surrounded by love as he grows up without his dad by his side.

Anyone who knew Huw will remember his strength, kindness, sense of humour, and the way he always put others before himself. He faced every challenge with bravery and positivity right until the very end. His loss has left a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.

As I write this, I can honestly hear Huw laughing and saying, “Please train properly for this one.” We completed several events together over the years, including the Ironman 70.3 Switzerland — and it became a bit of a running joke that my training preparation was never quite up to standard. That little comment sums Huw up perfectly and reminds us of the humour and friendship we shared.

Through this fundraiser, we hope to support Idris’s future and help ease some of the financial pressures facing the family during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, no matter how small, will help honour Huw’s memory and support the little boy he loved more than anything.

Thank you so much for your kindness, generosity, and support. Please keep Huw, Idris, Cadi, and all of Huw’s family and friends in your thoughts