Ian Waddell is not your stereotypical octogenarian as he gears up for his mammoth Pen Y Fan challenge on his new Swedish walker, for children’s hospice Ty Hafan.
Ian has been an MHA tenant for 9 years, having moved from Leamington Spa some 25 years ago and lives in Mardy, Abergavenny.
Fitness and running have always been a way of life for Ian, since retiring from the Forces, having taken part in countless marathons and multi-day running events, and spearheaded many charitable campaigns.
Ian is credited with being the founder of the ultra-mountain marathon known as the ‘Dragon’s Back Rack’ in 1992, which runs from north to south Wales, finishing at Cardiff Castle.
In fact, he had a pivotal role in organising the 5-day mountainous race which included impressively securing £35k of sponsorship from Jet Petroleum and recruiting the parachute regiment to help with logistics including transport, food medics and tents. No mean feat!
Ian is rightly proud of his ultra legacy, but fully admits that ultra running has not been kind to his joints. He has had “knee and hip replacements and heart failure in the last few years”. His cardiologist has suggested the “closest I should get to a mountain is on a postcard”.
He proudly shared a letter he recently received from the King wishing his ‘charitable initiative’ every success and commended him on his “resilience and determination to support others”.
Despite the health warnings, Ian is adamant he wants to undertake what he proclaims will be hit last challenge “oh God yes, I’m falling part “and raise as much as he can for Ty Hafan.
Ian will be walking Pen y Fan on 30th September, aided by his Veloped walker made by Swedish company Trionic.
