Unskateables travelling coast to coast in memory of their friends
A group of friends are taking on a fundraising challenge with a difference by travelling coast to coast on skateboards.
The four wheeled fund-raising challenge in September will see the ‘UNSKATEABLES’ travel the length of Wales from Barry Island to Anglesey.
Gilbert, 45, from Llangollen, Craig Salisbury, 47, from Gresford – Gavin Rogers, 42, from Minera – Kyle Harvey, 30, from Wrexham – Josh Land, 22, from Bwlchgwyn and Mark Roberts, 47, from Wrexham will the 250-mile journey on their skateboards in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.
The challenge will be in memory of their friends Wayne Phillips and James Rush who both received support and care from Nightingale House.
The hospice also provided memory making support activities for both Wayne and James’ young daughters.
Wayne and James
Team spokesman, Gilbert, said: “The challenge will take in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, our fabulous Welsh coastline and Eryri National Park.
“It will be tough, beautiful and inspirational, three strong characteristics of both Wayne and James.
“Our team meetings, skate sessions and trips are dominated by discussions of past and present adventures.
“Old memories revisited, where both Wayne and James come into the conversations, keeping their spirit alive within the group. We smile more, laugh more, play more and are inspired by their presence and energy.
“Raising money for Nightingale House was the obvious choice due to the outstanding work they do, day in day out.
“The care and support Wayne and James received from the hospice touched every one of us and we want to try and give back.”
Paying tribute to their late friends Gilbert added: “By nature, Wayne was one of the most thoughtful, kind, giving, and generous people you were ever likely to meet.
“He treated everybody equally, always listening, giving his time and his smile and was a true trail blazer in health, fitness and wellbeing.
“A traveller and a loving family man he was always up for an adventure and loved nature, walking, surfing and camping.
“We miss him every single day.
“James was new to our friendship group but was cut from the same cloth with a ‘Go Get It’ attitude to life.
“He was an outdoor and adventure enthusiast and enjoyed climbing, canoeing, surfing, mountain biking and hiking.
“A loving family man and tough fire fighter, he was well travelled, extremely well read and full of knowledge.
“A good listener, he had a beautiful calmness and fitted seamlessly into any situation.”
Jenny Rawson, Gilbert, Mark Roberts, Craig Salisbury, Kyle Harvey and Gavin Rogers
Gilbert went on to thank their driver, Jenny Rawson of Wrexham, who has and will continue to play an important role in their journey across Wales: “Without a doubt, the star of The UNSKATEABLES skateboarding journey will be our driver Jenny ‘AKA Maps,’ who will be fundraising, baking cakes, and supplying the crew with coffee for the long road ahead; a huge thank you from all of us!”
Challenge Events Coordinator for the hospice, Bethan Scott said: “What an incredible bunch of friends.
“This is such a unique challenge and everyone at Nightingale House is so looking forward to following their journey.
“This group’s fundraising is already incredible, but what they have set out to achieve in terms of this challenge and their fundraising target, is awesome. Thank you so much for putting yourselves out there in memory of your dear friends.”
The challenge will take place between 1 and 3 September.
You can follow the UNSKATEABLES on Facebook here. To donate to the UNSKATEABLES click here
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