Matthew Lamb has recently been in the headlines for his terrific work in coaching the girls' and disability teams at Fishguard Sports AFC - but the football fanatic known to all as 'Minty' showed his toughness and determination to see a challenge through as he raised a four-figure sum for 'Children in Need'.Last year saw Matthew walk from his home in Fishguard to his work in County Hall, Haverfordwest, a distance of around 15 miles but this year saw him decide to treble that distance for the worthwhile charity as he walked from County Hall to St Davids, on to Fishguard and then back to County Hall, a distance of over 45 miles!
The challenge's success was all the more remarkable because 'Minty' had suffered from flu symptoms for the two days prior to his walk - but he dosed himself up, slept more than usual and felt able to make good his promise to do well.
Midnight start at County Hall
He started out at midnight on the Thursday and although he readily admits that there were some very testing moments he arrived back to a packed and support set of colleagues at 3.55pm on 'Children in Need' day, five minutes ahead of what he had set himself as a target time.There followed an impromptu collection amongst those who had braved the cold and wet to cheer him in, a deserved bottle of beer and the chance to be driven back to Fishguard with a job superbly done.
What was amazing was the fact that in training 'Minty' hadn't had time to complete a practice walk of more than ten miles, and as colleague Alistair Birch pointed out afterwards, he had taken a route with hills like Newgale that ensured he had climbed over the height of Snowdon, often on grass verges that were soaking wet and very rough, with cold winds, heavy showers and the odd hailstone to cause him discomfort.
Great support from colleagues
'Minty' was grateful for the support from colleagues too numerous to mention, with Huw Thomas starting out with him on the Haverfordwest to St Davids leg of the testing triangle and a good time that put him ahead of his calculated arrival.
Then Alistair Birch, a keen cyclist, joined him on the second leg from the cathedral city to his home town, where he stopped off at Holy Name School, where his work takes him on occasions, and he was boosted by the children's cheerful chants of 'Minty! Minty! Minty!'
His new walking partner from Goodwick was work colleague Charlie Blythe, who has done so much to help promote the challenge, and although not a regular walker it was appropriate that she should accompany him all the way back to County Hall as a tribute to her belief in what Matthew had undertaken.
School’s pupils raise his spirits
This intrepid pair's only pause was to greet the cheering pupils at Wolfscastle School, whose day in pajamas saw a magnificent collection to boost Matthew's final sum.Ask Matthew about highlights and he would be quick to nominate his school visits and the wonderful enthusiasm they engendered alongside staff.
"They came at moments when I needed a bit of a lift but I daren't stop too long because I was afraid I might seize up after walking so much without a real footpath.
"The biggest challenges came at places like Newgale, where it was very windy and as we came down the hill we could see the climb back up on the other side - it was not a pretty sight!
Tough times overcome
"There were also other tough times, like approaching Scleddau and realising how far there was still to go and it was hard to decide which was hurting most; my wet feet, my calves or knees!
"From Treffgarne Bends through to Haverfordwest seemed to take for ages but it was nice that a couple of old friends joined Charlie and me and chatted away to take my mind off the aching limbs before leaving us at the County Hotel so we could walk in on our own to meet my work colleagues.
"It was a moving moment and a terrific relief that I hadn't let all my supporters down, and I am delighted to be able to help 'Children in Need' with a cheque for over £1,200 to help their fund-raising efforts!"