A WREXHAM man will once again put on his walking boots to complete a mega fundraising challenge on his own, for a cause close to his heart.
On June 14, Paul Edwards from Penycae will walk solo and unsupported for the huge distance of John O'Groats to Lands End.
The 56-year-old will aim to walk around 25-35 miles a day depending on terrain.
He will be doing the challenge with a twist as he dresses up as Deadpool to celebrate the Wrexham AFC takeover.
Paul told the Leader: "Last year I fundraised for the hospice and managed to raise quite a bit so I decided to put myself to the test again and do it with a gimmick to draw more attention.
Deadpool gearing up for his next fundraiser
"Ryan Reynolds took over Wrexham AFC around the time I wanted to get started with the idea so that gave me the idea to dress up as Deadpool, it certainly grabs attention.
"I've set myself the target of completing it in 42 days, with the hopes of doing it in 36 but I don't want to push myself too hard.
"On July 5 I will be arriving at the stadium and on July 6 I hope to walk to Hope House to wave at the children through the window."
The Leader previously reported that back in August of last year, Paul set off to conquer the Three Peaks Challenge - but with one huge difference.
He completed the challenge in just 22 days to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospice and 640miles later, he raised £9,618.
Paul Edwards on his last fundraising challenge
Paul, whose hobby is running marathons and ultra-marathons, took annual leave from his job as a machinist to complete the challenge which he says was the most challenging thing he has ever done.
He added: "Last year was the toughest thing I have ever done, it was quite a hostile environment, the weather was awful for a lot of it , the terrain was rough and distances and long days.
"This one in June, I'm trying to balance it better if possible but you can never be certain.
"I am expecting it to be not as tough but it is almost twice the distance. It will be tough in different way and being on your own for that length time isn’t easy."
"I wanted to support Hope House because it’s such an amazing charity. I haven’t got kids myself and I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like for parents when their children are seriously ill.
"To have a seriously ill child or child that's dying it must be the worst pain ever. But the charity's services and counselling is unlimited. They will provide as much care and support for the family as needed.
"I would like to stress that I am walking the whole route solo and without any support crew, team or vehicular assistance and I am doing this as a sponsored challenge for the Hope House children's hospice in Oswestry. I have completed many, many events and challenges for various charities in the past but this will be by far the biggest."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-edwards1000mileshike?
Paul Edwards
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