MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: BEAT THE GOWER - MARIE CURIE - 6th September 2025

Written By Tyrone Davies

It’s taken just over a week, but my legs have finally recovered… somewhat!

On Saturday, 6th September, I completed the Marie Curie Beat The Gower challenge — and what a day it was. My wife and I have just returned from a week in the Yorkshire countryside, giving me time to reflect on what went well, what I’d do differently, and what’s next (because yes, there will be a next time).

Lessons learned


  • Distance reality check. I set out for the 24-mile option. After an early uphill slog and a long conversation with one of the event team members joining me on a stretch, I pivoted to 12 miles. I could have forced the 24, but it would have turned a meaningful challenge into a late-evening race. Right call.

  • Hills, glorious hills. Naively, I hadn’t factored in quite so many climbs. For Pete’s sake, Ty—it’s a coastal walk! More woodland and scrambling than I’d imagined, but Pen-y-Fan training in a storm paid off.

  • Overpacking. I hauled a full rucksack and used little of it apart from 2 litres of water. Great endurance training, but a lesson learnt: next time, travel light.


What went brilliantly


  • The 12-mile route. Perfect first step into long-distance challenges: I could pace myself, rest, and savour the journey.

  • The people. Fellow walkers shared humbling stories that will stay with me.

  • The weather. Sunny with a bracing breeze—ideal walking conditions.

  • The message. My video on men’s mental health gained strong engagement, and my story was featured in the Western Mail, South Wales Evening Post, and Wales Online.

  • The welcome. Being greeted by my family—including my personal trainer, Gwenny the Corgi—was the perfect finale.


Fundraising stands at £630 so far. Not bad for someone who, until February, led a fairly sedentary life. In seven months, I’ve shed two stone, built real stamina, and discovered a new love of endurance walking.

A request, not too late to donate, and you can find the link right here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/tyrone-davies-1

This is just the beginning. I’m already eyeing another 12-mile trek as a stepping-stone to the full 24. Wales is spoilt for choice—so many paths, so many horizons.

Here’s to the next walk. Onwards/Ymlaen!

#MarieCurie #BeatTheGower #MensMentalHealth #WalkingChallenge #WellbeingJourney #WalesOutdoors #PersonalGrowth #LifeGoals #Fundraising #Inspiration #ChwaraeTeg #TDii

Tyrone Davies

Ty Davies Intelligence & Insight Ltd is a digital consultancy established to provide

high-quality, strategic advisory services to public sector bodies, private enterprises, and

third-sector organisations. With specialisms in AI implementation, Agile transformation,

cloud migration, and digital strategy, the company leverages Ty Davies' 25+ years of

leadership across the UK and the Isle of Man. Services will be provided on a freelance

basis, with Ty as the sole director and employee.

https://TDii.co.uk
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