A Torfaen dad who took on a gruelling 35‑mile canal challenge to support his friend’s young son, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, says he has been “overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers” after raising over £2,000 for the family.
Jamie Hern, 44, from Griffithstown, completed the huge effort on Saturday 30 May, travelling by kayak on the canal near his home to Goytre Wharf (six miles), then cycling to Talybont (22 miles), and then walking to Brecon Basin (seven miles) wearing a 35lb rucksack.
A week later, on Saturday 6 June, he drove to Sheffield to meet six‑year‑old Jack, the boy he’d been fundraising for, along with his parents, Jenny and Steve.
Jamie said the support he received throughout the challenge – and the kindness shown by people he has never met – has stayed with him.
“There were people who donated money that I’ve never even met. Jenny was saying that since Jack’s diagnosis, the one thing that’s really struck her is the generosity of strangers – and it’s struck me as well. It’s been a bit overwhelming.”
Jamie began kayaking at 10.10am, reaching Goytre in two hours.
“The kayak was hard graft because I’d never done it before or paddled that far, but we got it done,” he said.
Support team
He was supported throughout by a team:
- His mates Jason and Jay – who drove the van, handled the bikes, moved the kayak and kept everything running smoothly.
- His wife Anne‑Marie and daughter, Holly – who followed in the car with food, drinks and supplies.
- Oscar, 17, his son, who cycled the entire route alongside his dad.
“My son Oscar never left my side. He was brilliant. If it hadn’t been for him, I don’t think I’d have finished it.”
After cycling into Talybont, Jamie began the final “tab” – a long walk with a backpack – just as the sun swung around into his face.
He finished in eight and a half hours. When Jamie reached Brecon, his support team had one last surprise.
“When we finished, Jason and Jay had secretly arranged to do a barbecue as well.
BBQ
“So they set up a barbecue in this park in Brecon, I had no idea what was happening and we sat down. Jason brought his comfy chairs. I had a little non-alcoholic beer and some food and everything and then we were done. It was a really good day.”
Throughout the challenge, Jamie carried a small toy train because Jack loves trains. A week later, he travelled to Sheffield to meet the family for the first time and hand it to him.
The visit, he said, was “emotional”.
“He’s mint. He’s such a little dude. He just gets on with it. Such a nice family as well. We had a lovely day – the park, the river, skimming stones. He went on my shoulders and I carried him back to his house. It was really, really good.”
Jamie’s challenge has now raised more than £2,000 to support Jack and his family.
Read an interview I did with Jamie earlier this year as he started to prepare for the challenge.
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