Wales 3000 Hike 2023

Wow, where to start!  I had a very early encounter with cancer when a boy in my class at Primary School died aged 10. David Chapman his name was. We were not best mates but we chatted at school and one day he just wasnt there anymore.  I cried as a kid not really knowing how to feel.  Fast forward thirty years and here I am.  Firstly, before i go into some deep and personal background to this challenge I wanted to mention the guys.  Chris Smith, my oldest friend. He did my homework for me in primary school. Smithers is a talented man. A fine hockey player as most of these guys are. Chris is someone whos had a harsh and first hand experience of Cancer losing his dear Father Dougie. Of course, this was extremely hard on Chris and his family. Chris is a a passionate guy and dedicated as they come.  Wayne Bishop whos Mother has battled cancer is the unofficial leader of the group! Wayne lost his favourite Aunty to cancer as a young man. This challenge was my creation but I must admit and much to the groups relief I will not be allowed anywhere near the navigation or leadership when climbing the mountains of Wales! Wayne, or Legend as he is known will most certainly be one of the fittest and a much valued member of this party.  Chris “Pearcy” Pearce is another member who’s going to bring humour and usually quality laughs to the group. Hes a real tactician usually so he may have some great ideas on tackling this challenge. Chris has had cancer and beaten it. He fought testicular cancer as a young man and he defeated it. He was one of my first calls when I was pondering something like this. A great man to have on your team and the ultimate team player.  William Spain, a man of the great outdoors. Will is a fun and super chilled guy. He will supply endless laughs and whit to compliment the groups fun nature. I am so glad we have him on board!  Sambo Handley. He is a real beast. Fit motivated and an unstoppable force as a guy. Sam loves anything physical and anything tough he sees as a personal challenge.  His driven and super focussed mentality will drive us all on.  And then there is me! The least fit! I will be near the back of the pack but with gritted teeth and drive I will achieve this target as part of this dream team. I have been training fairly hard supported by Wayne and will be ready for this challenge.  My sister Danni passed away around two years ago now shattering the closest of families. Danni was fun spirited and strong. She was headstrong and loved to achieve in life. Even when fighting cancer and having chemotherapy she was walking jogging and getting out to test herself.  I remember the news that she had passed away. I was coaching hockey in Taunton and i came home early. Crying all the way home.  Danni was someone who always encouraged my wild side, “being an individual “ was so important to Danni.  This hike for me, is to raise money for cancer in Dannis name. You hear about cancer all the time. But seeing it first hand is brutally hard and eye opening. A life that was so beautifully built and crafted over time was taken and lives around Danni shattered forever.  For Dannis amazing wife Rosie, and children Oscar and Charlie. We will do this challenge with Danni by my side every step of the way and this is how I know that we will succeed.  Your support either financial or moral will be fantastic for me and my crew.  We will conquer the mountains.  Much Love  Keiro Sam Smithers Pearcy Wayne Will