CARDIGAN Castle welcomed determined walker Kieran Sandwell who is on a gruelling journey to raise £20,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Kieran, 45, is walking 5,000 miles around the coastline of Britain to raise money for a charity that is very close to his heart.

Kieran is an adult survivor of congenital heart disease. Eight years ago he had a heart transplant and wishes to mark his survival by taking part in this challenge that he has named the ‘Trail of Two Hearts.’

On February 1, 2017, Kieran set off from the BHF offices in London and is walking anti-clockwise around the coast of Britain. His walk averages 15-20 miles a day and this will take him 326 days. His visit to Cardigan was day 189.

“It’s one massive adventure and every day is different to the next. It’s physically challenging and rest is important to prepare me for the walk the following day,” said Kieran, who is keeping a diary of his adventure.

And this coastal walk has been a memorable adventure so far.

Kieran added: “I’ve had a few hairy moments on the coast path around Llanrhystud and the weather hasn’t been great. I’ve also slept rough on the east coast, sheltered in a cave from rough, windy weather and I’ve slept on a golf course!

“But some of the views have been spectacular, especially in Scotland where two people passed me on the coastal path. They obviously saw my poster that I have placed on my rucksack and as they went through the kissing gate. They shouted that they’d left money for me there. It’s little things like that I remember.”

Kieran was born with a heart defect called transposition of the great arteries and had open heart surgery when he was only three years old. At the age of seven he had endocarditus, a heart attack when he was 13, a mini strokes at the age of 21, had a defibrillator fitted when he was 36 and a heart transplant at 38.

Chair of the BHF in Cardigan, Peter Barker, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet this heroic gentleman who with his fascinating medical history has endured so much in his 45 years.

“He has completed the London Marathon twice not to mention many other feats of endurance as well. He donated his old heart to the BHF for research after his transplant to further their knowledge into cardiac disease.

“We waved our farewells to Kieran as he made his way across the bridge on his way to Newport and St David’s wishing him good health and sincere thanks from the BHF for his courageous efforts.”

Kieran concluded: “I won’t let the winter weather dampen my spirits and I’m looking forward to meeting some new Welsh friends, who I hope will keep me company along the way, and even teach me a bit of Welsh!”

To donate to Kieran’s cause, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ATrailofTwoHearts.