Jack Davies is best known in local sporting circles as a good all-round cricketer with Burton but he also cycles a lot with Milford Tritons and at 20 years of age has always been one to take on a challenge.
 
But now Jack is undertaking the huge test of spending time in April walking along the Great Wall of China with about 30 other intrepid travellers led by Ian Gough from all over the country to raise funds for Ty Hafan, which provides care for very ill young children, not only at the hospice in Sully but in their homes and their community so that they can make the most of the time they have left together, making memories that can be treasured by families forever.
 

Family support for a great cause

 
As Jack told us,
“Trekking along the Great Wall in China is the biggest challenge I have undertaken but Ty Hafan is very close to my heart because it has provided so much support for my family.
 
“My little cousin Louis was referred to Ty Hafan when he was only five months old and had a life-limiting condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.
 
“Most babies with this condition don’t live to their first birthday but Louis was a true super-hero and Ty Hafan allowed Louis, his mum, dad and little brother to make the most of their time together.
 
“For three years Ty Hafan gave Louis the most wonderful experiences and the chance to do things the family never thought possible as he enjoyed music and play-therapy sessions at home, which he absolutely loved.
 
“He was able to go swimming in the special pool at Ty Hafan with his parents, got involved in lots of fun activities and made some very special friends.
 
“Louis sadly passed away in September 2016 and the family were overwhelmed by the love and support from the staff at Ty Hafan and that is why I want to give something back to them as a token of our family’s esteem.
 

Tough challenge for Jack

 
The Great Wall Trek will be a tough one over 27 watch towers and mountains, through historic battlement stations that are well off the tourist trail and will include conquering the gruelling 1,000 steps up to the wall at Mutianyu.
“I predict quite a few blisters after that one,” said Jack with a chuckle!
 
He will also get the chance to lend a hand repairing a section of the wall currently under construction so will have his own small place in the Great Wall of China’s history.
 
So for the next three months Jack is planning to put a few miles on those legs of his and although our local Pembrokeshire Coast Path might not quite match up to his testing time in China he will put the hilly trails to good use – and readily admits that preparing his stomach for some testing local produce might be his toughest challenge!
 
“But I am really up for the challenge,” he told us, “and I will be thinking of Louis all the way, especially when the going gets tough!”
 
Any sports people in Pembrokeshire who would like to help Jack Davies raise funds for such a worthwhile cause can visit his ‘Just Giving’ page,  phone him on 07790 207610 or contact PembrokeshireSport.co.uk to confirm your willingness to help make a difference to other children like Louis and their families.