Peter Thomas calls on Welsh businesses to back inspirational Welshman

4th July 2011

Cardiff Blues chief and businessman Peter Thomas has called upon Welsh businesses to back former Wales rugby player Richard Parks, who is currently aiming to become the first ever person to conquer the world’s highest 7 summits and all 3 poles to raise £1 million pounds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The inspirational former flanker, who was forced to retire from rugby 2 years ago, recently announced he will battle on with his gruelling 737 Challenge despite suffering from frostbite after summiting Mount Everest.  Last week he summited North America's highest mountain - Denali, completing the penultimate leg of his 737 Challenge.

Richard spent every penny he earnt from his professional career on preparing and training for the 737 Challenge - Now, over 6 months in to his record-breaking challenge, and after climbing 6 of the world’s highest summits and reaching the North and South Poles, Peter Thomas has called on Welsh businesses to back Richard as he tackles the final leg of his record breaking race - Elbrus in Russia.

“He’s risking his life on many legs of this incredible expedition and doing it to raise funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care”, stated Peter. Peter himself is a keen climber supporting the NSPCC and is now planning to do Everest base camp next year.  He added; “What Richard has set out to achieve is phenomenal, physically and mentally it’s one of the toughest challenges I have ever come across.  Richard is a proud Welshman taking on a world first quest, holding our nation’s flag aloft at each summit and pole, and doing so for such a great cause – its a venture that everyone in our nation should get behind”.

So far Richard, who played for both Pontypridd and Newport Gwent Dragons, has conquered The South Pole, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua - the highest summit in South America, Africa’s Kilimanjaro, Australasia’s highest peak Carstensz Pyramid, The North Pole, the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest and North America's Denali, also known as Mount McKinley.   

Peter added; “There are a lot of great causes and charities out there that businesses support, and this is one of them, but it’s more than just that, Richard is out there putting Wales on the map globally, this world first will not only make history but will set a real benchmark in the climbing of the 7 summits, and right now he needs all the support from Wales that he can possibly get to see him through to the end”.

Peter is hoping to kick start a wave of pledging to the former Welsh flanker’s charity, “Make a corporate donation, fundraise through staff activities, do whatever you can to raise funds for the 737 Challenge because what this man is doing for Wales and for such a great cause is incredible.  I admire his ambition, tenacity, bravery and drive, and I call upon Welsh companies and individuals in business to do everything they can to support him”.

If your business would like to play a part in a true Welsh world first, make a pledge to support Richard Parks’ 737 Challenge and become a corporate donor.  CLICK BELOW to help Richard raise £1million pounds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care and make your corporate donation.