Rugby Army cadet and OLs under 15s player to walk 150 miles to South Wales in Help for Heroes fundraiser

Arthur and dad Kevin are set to undertake the tough walk in the summer holidays
A banner for Arthur's walk.A banner for Arthur's walk.
A banner for Arthur's walk.

A 15-year-old Army cadet from Rugby is set to undertake a gruelling 150-mile hike in the summer holidays to see his grandparents in Llanhilleth, South Wales, in an effort to raise funds for Help for Heroes

Arthur Mortimer, of Alwyn Road, who signed up for cadets as soon as he was old enough two years ago, exceeded the initial target of £500 and is now on his way to raising £1,000.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Dad Kevin said: "He's coming into his second year with the cadets and he wanted to do something as a fundraiser for Help for Heroes.

"He hasn't seen his grandparents in Llanhillethsince before the lockdown, so he got the idea to walk there for the fundraiser.

"One day he asked me and his mum Lydia, 'can I walk to Wales?' - as you do.

"Lydia was the sensible one and said no initially, but then she agreed that he could do it if I go with him."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The route would be about 130 miles by road, but the father-son team have opted to avoid roads as much as possible, adding another 20 miles.

They are aiming to take a week to do the walk, covering around 20 miles across bridleways, footpaths and canal paths each day.

"We're really upping our training," Kevin said.

"Arthur is fitter than me, he plays for Old Laurentians under 15s and he loves skateboarding. '

"But being active and walking 20 miles a day for a week are two different things, so we know it's going to be tough."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arthur and Kevin have worked hard to promote the fundraiser, setting up a Facebook page and spreading awareness in the community.

Kevin, himself a former rugby player, said both The Old Laurentians and Help for Heroes have been incredibly supportive, helping to spread the word.

He added that he is incredibly proud of Arthur.

He said: "You see a lot of negativity about young people in the news and on social media. We're around our kids all the time so it can be easy to forget how great they are.

"I've got got three boys and I'm so proud of them.

"Arthur is a doer, he always wants to be active. He even wants to join the Army as a career.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A while ago he decided he wanted to be working so he had a load of leaflets printed, handed them out on our road and started cleaning cars."

Kevin added that he and the family wish to thank all who have so far helped with the campaign.

To make a donation, visit bit.ly/3z0VjvuYou can keep up with the latest updates by visiting the Arthur's Walk For Heroes Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Arthurswalk4heroes

Related topics: