A local man, Sean Connell, recently completed a year-long challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

In his charity challenge, Sean walked the length of the Offa’s Dyke footpath, a 177 mile journey, which follows the border between England and Wales from Chepstow to Prestatyn.

Sean walked the path during a number of stages, over a period of approximately 12 months, in aid of Cancer Research UK. This charity is especially close to his heart, as Sean’s father, Paul Connell, has brain cancer. He told the Gazette:?“My dad is doing very well, he joined me on the last 12.5 miles of the hike to Prestatyn.”

Speaking about his experience during his challenge, Sean told the Gazette: “It’s certainly been a great experience over the last year. It took 12 stages, ranging from 12 miles to 22.5 miles.

“I’ve seen many many fields and hills, towns and churches. I trampled over stone, through forest and mud. The weather wasn’t always kind and I got a nice tan once, and positively soaked by rain much of the rest of the time, but the views were always spectacular.”

Sean will soon be moving to Colarado in the USA to get married. He said: “This whole adventure ended up being a great chance to say goodbye to the country.”

Sean’s fiancee, Cailin McMahon, his brother, Benjamin, and his dad all each joined him for a stage of the walk. His mother, Michele, also gave him lots of support and help along the way, facilitating his transport. “She did a lot of driving and waiting around for me,” Sean said.

Sean is still welcoming donations. If you would like to donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/SCOD-2015.