Dad-of-two David Rhodes and brother Andy have completed the epic feat of climbing the three highest peaks in Wales and cycling between each of them to raise funds for a charity very close to their hearts.
David and his fiancée Rhian Davies are parents to Efa and Jac, who were both born with heart problems.
Since then, the couple have been supported by Heart Heroes, which helps support children who have congenital heart conditions as well as their families.
David, who is a maths teacher from Ammanford, and Andy, who lives and works in Germany, spent a weekend climbing Snowdon, then Cadair Idris, and finally Penyfan. And during their challenge they scaled more than 2,300m.
But by cycling between each mountain, they covered around 240km of road.
The brothers’ dad, Steve, acted as their backup support, making sure they managed to cycle from peak to peak and keeping them on schedule.
“I’d previously done the Welsh Three Peaks but this was by driving between each one,” said David.
“This time, I wanted to do something more challenging for Heart Heroes which has a hub in Wales.
“When Efa was born, it was difficult as even though people wanted to help, it was hard for them to understand exactly what we were going through.
"With Heart Heroes, it was so reassuring to speak to people who had the same experience.”
Efa, who is now 18 months, was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta at Rhian’s 20-week pregnancy scan.
She underwent corrective surgery eight days after she was born, and may need further surgery when she is older.
The family were advised that older brother Jac, who is four in July, could also have a heart condition.
Tests revealed that, although outwardly fit and healthy, he may have atrial septal defect (ASD) - a hole in the heart. Jac is now awaiting an MRI scan for a formal diagnosis and treatment options.
Rhian, Efa and Jac were there at the end of the challenge to cheer their dad and uncle on, and Jac even accompanied them up Penyfan.
So far, David and Andy have raised around £2,800 but are aiming to get to £3,000. To sponsor the Rhodes brothers, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p83fdkv
For more information about Heart Heroes, visit https://heartheroes.co.uk/.
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