Former Paratrooper completes 1,000 mile mission around the entirety of Wales

A former professional rugby player and paratrooper completed his 1,000 mile mission around the entirety of Wales on the weekend - notching up 1064 miles in 38 days - the equivalent of 40 marathons and over 30 climbs up Snowdon!

After serving for over two decades in the UK’s Elite Airborne Forces and playing professional rugby for Gloucester, Harlequins and Barbarians, Andy Dawling’s mission has been to raise awareness and funds for mental health charities.

This incredible journey which reached its conclusion at Chepstow Castle on Sunday, May 21 was inspired by Andy’s personal struggle with PTSD and his determination to make positive changes in his life.

His aim was to connect people and communities both old and new, creating an environment by immersing ourselves in the incredible landscape and beautiful scenery.

Hopefully, this will enable people to open up to help build positive futures by establishing a crucial support network with each other.

Andy has been overwhelmed by the support from local communities, rugby clubs and the many people that have joined him on his walk and supported his journey. He said the kindness, support and hospitality he has been shown is nothing short of amazing and would like to thank everyone who has helped out and been involved along the way.

Upon reaching Tenby on May 12, Andy had walked 780 miles and taken in the breathtaking landscape and amazing coastal views on his journey.

At the seaside town’s North Beach, he met up with Ocean photographer and sand artist Ross Andrews, for an impressive ‘sand draw’ across the bay!

Andy was accompanied by two of his good friends Lee Soper and Zane Badham who helped out with all of the arrangements along the way. Andy has said he will be forever grateful that his friends came together to help him out and support his journey.

Both Lee and Zane cannot praise Andy enough saying his commitment, desire and resilience were amazing and he should be incredibly proud of what he has achieved, not only from the walk, but the impact it has had in creating awareness for the cause.

Andy hopes to continue to raise awareness for mental health and PTSD in the future.

For more information on Andy’s 1000 mile walk and future plans, check out his Instagram and Facebook page @wolfpackpilgrimage