Coronation Street star Gareth Pierce has been applauded by his fans and followers as he revealed he took part in an epic challenge for an amazing cause. The actor, who plays Todd Grimshaw in the ITV soap, spent his weekend taking part in a mountain race - a far cry from the cobbles.
Gareth headed to the hills for the SAS Fan Dance – a 24km mountain race up and down Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales – all to raise funds for Age UK. Speaking to Age UK before going on to complete the gruelling challenge, the soap star explained: "The event is based on part of the SAS selection course.
"The original version is a proper military exercise – they’ve got boots on, and their backpacks have to weigh a minimum of 35 pounds. The race I’m competing in lets me wear trail running shoes, but I still have to carry a pack of essential kit while I run. I quite fancied the full load-bearing version, but I do also recognise that I’m 42 now! I thought I should probably have a go at this one first."
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features
Gareth, whose dad was in the army while growing up and suggesting it may have added to his inspiration to take part, shared how he'd done a couple of endurance challenge over the years but nothing quite like this.
"I’ve wanted the challenges to get progressively harder, and of course you’re asking people to sponsor you, so you want them to think: ‘fair play, that does sound quite tough!" he added to the charity.
And Gareth, who joined Corrie in 2020 as the new face of Todd, has shared his joy at finishing the challenge. Posing with his medal in snaps posted to Instagram, he wrote: "I completed yesterday’s SAS Fan Dance (24km; 1100m ascent) in 3hrs 18mins! More importantly, we are nearing the £2000 mark for @age_uk."
He added: "THANKS / DIOLCH: ** Lucy, Lydia, Marianne, Paul & all the amazing team at @age_uk. ** AEE, Ken & the #FanDance DS for an excellent event incl. Gurkha curry post-march meal. ** @runningpunks, @garyhouse_ & @rickiwynne10 for the Insta running inspo. ** the famalam for putting up with Dad being halfway up a mountain every spare moment. ** Everyone who sponsored, posted & encouraged along the way."
Corrie co-star Georgia Taylor was one of the first to offer her congratulations, telling Gareth: "Massive achievement darling. Huge congratulations." While Age UK's social team replied: "Well done Gareth!! Unbelievable achievement and thank you so so much for the support."
And his fans and followers were also applauding his efforts. @stretfordmum said: "Wow! Well done- that’s an incredible achievement!!!" @cliveswan wrote: "Well done Gareth, a brilliant achievement." @k8ym89 replied: "Congratulations - such an amazing achievement!" @iainmairs added: "Well done that’s brilliant."
