The Full Story
About
Pia was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2020. Being the fighter that she was, she was determined to beat this disease, but sadly lost her battle 11 months later on 8th September 2021. We want to honour her life and make her proud. In doing so, we want to try and reduce the number of other families that have to go through what we have by increasing awareness of the disease and raising vital funds to assist in improving early detection.
Before Pia's diagnosis, we did not know much about pancreatic cancer, and that is common with a lot of people. We know Pia would be the first to do anything she could to help others, so we want to follow in her footsteps and would appreciate any donations you could give.
Inspiration
This walk is the second long distance challenge we are taking on, and instead of Gavin and Stacey being the main inspiration, we are basing it all in South Wales where Pia grew up. She was born in Barry and went to school there. That is where at the age of 17, she met Simon, who was at the boy school across the road. After some serious effort put in by Simon, they started dating and were inseparable since. They were so in love that they decided to go to the same university so they would not have to be apart. They spent 3 years at university together in Swansea, which is one of the significant parts of the walk for us. And be in no doubt that Simon has visited many of the pubs on route, always with Pia by his side! The walk is finishing in Barry Island at Marco's cafe, where Pia worked throughout her teenage years. Prior to Marco, Pia's family used to own the cafe before selling it on to Marco. Because of her upbringing, South Wales is the perfect place to take on this walk, and visit some of the stunning places that were pivotal to Pia and Simon growing up.
The Walk
We have decided that the best way to honour Pia would be to combine two of Pia's favourite things: exercise and drinking! We are walking 150 miles along the coast of South Wales, ending every day at a pub for a few drinks! We are starting at Llansteffan in West Wales, and walking to Barry Island in the South. It will be 150 miles and will take place over the course of 12 days, finishing a day before the 4 year anniversary of Pia's death. Despite 4 years without her, her absence is felt more deeply every day that passes.
Finishing a day before the anniversary of her death just makes the end of the walk so much more special and gives us determination to honour her life and keep her memory alive.
If anyone wants to join us for a day or two please feel free to join or come say hi!
