THE Wales Three Peak Challenge was confronted last Saturday (29th March) in a bid to raise £800 for a Magor three-year-old to walk unaided.

Andy Hosking, project manager at Mabey Bridge, took on the arduous trek for Ruby Atkins.

Ruby has been diagnosed with bilateral cerebral palsy meaning her ability to walk unaided is restricted.

£40,000 needs to be raised for her to receive Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) treatment to reduce spasticity in her legs.

Mr Hosking, supported along the way by Ruby's father Antony Atkins and Jack Rowland, began hiking at 7.45am and was initially faced with the Blorenge peak.

"The Blorenge was horrendous," Andy said, "I was scrambling on all fours by the end trying to get to the peak.

"I was encouraged by a few guys I met on the way who said that the Blorenge was the hardest out of the three, and they were right."

Mr Hosking reached his first check point by 9.25am then travelled down the Blorenge, passing Gilwern to reach the second check point at 11am.

"My fiancée, daughter and parents were there to see me, and I was able to have a quick sarnie before setting off again."

After a short stop it was up to the Sugarloaf, "I lost all track of time by this point and it was very windy at the top.

"We reached the top of Skirrid at around 3.15pm and finally reached Abergavenny at 4.30pm.

"The challenge surpassed all my expectations and it was well worth it, despite having to take the lift in work this morning.

"I'd like to thank Antony and Jack for their support, I couldn't have done it without them.

"If I do decide to do anything similar in the future, then I would definitely do some more training first."

A coffee morning to raise money for Ruby will be held at Rogiet Church hall from 9.30am to 11.30am tomorrow (3rd April).