One man is doing an immense physical challenge to raise money for LGBT+ charities and organisations. Climbing instructor Jani Foldi is setting out on June 1 in an effort to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the members of the LGBT + community here in Wales and all around the world.
Walking on his journey, Jani will be carrying his Pride flag and equipment with him and camp out every night whilst attempting the massive challenge. Hungarian-born Jani, who has lived in south Wales for nine years, will set off from Llangors, Powys, at the start of June. He plans to visit all of Wales’ major cities and towns while speaking to people he meets and documenting their stories.
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During the ‘Walking Proud’ challenge Jani will tackle Wales in a clock-wise direction, heading through Abergavenny and Chepstow before travelling to Newport and then Cardiff on the Welsh Coast Path. He will then pass through Swansea before heading to Pembrokshire and north to Anglesey and Snowdonia. His return journey will see him tick off Wrexham, Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells.
He has been preparing for this challenge since December. Opening his Instagram account and website to reach out to like-minded people, Jani has been walking and exploring his local area, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, covering an average of 20 miles on each hike. During March, he ran the 62km Challenge for Stonewall raising funds for the charity.
Preferring to stay under the stars rather than choosing a hotel, Jani has dedicated the winter months on the run up to the challenge to preparing. Jani is raising money for charities that are close to his heart including; Cancer Research, Stonewall, Macmillan, Shelter and Trans Aid Cymru.
“I have always been inspired by stories of people," he said. "Unfortunately often seeing more hatred towards our community, not just online but in real life as well, I really would like to help and raise awareness by walking, meeting people, listen and document their life stories that can be shared with others. This is a huge challenge, both physically and mentally. [I've] never done anything like this before. I am really excited to meet people from Wales.
‘’I am organising small events on the locations I am staying for the night to meet people who would like to share their stories. Everyone has a story to share, it is really important for growth and to educate each other. Watch out for your local LGBT+ community hubs, because there might be something popping up soon. There are also possibilities to meet on the go, if you are up to walk a couple of miles with me. This [is a] voyage of discovery into Welsh Queer culture, [and] I want to connect the landscape and the people of Wales who work and walk on it.”
More information about Jani and his journey can be found via his Instagram and website. To follow the latest news from across Wales, subscribe to our newsletters here.
