Death of mum inspires dad, 61, to take on charity walk dressed as monk

Rodney Davies, 61, will walk barefoot when he takes on Llandudno fundraiser for St David's Hospice on Easter Sunday.

He will walk the ancient Monk's Path up the steep side of the Great Orme to St Tudno's Church. 

He will be dressed in full monk's habit and has had some of his head shaved. He is currently sporting a shaved head with a ring of hair.

Rodney had his head shaved at Just Jents in Llandudno (Image: Submitted)

Rodney, who has spent the last 16 years living in the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Middle East, working at the F1 International circuit and also helping to run a wine company, said: "I made the remark that if I raised more than £1,000 pounds I would get my head shaved like the ancient Monks. We hit the target in two days and so the hair came off courtesy of Just Jents in Llandudno.

"It is a very strange feeling having a Monks shave, it felt as if the top of my head was on fire to start with. I now own a Guest House in Llandudno, and I have just opened the front door to arriving guests dressed in my full Monks outfit. Their faces were a treat to behold."

Asked how he is feeling ahead of the challenge, the dad to four children said: "I am feeling a bit apprehensive as I've never done anything like this before but life is too short and so, I'm looking forward to the challenge. I hope it will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get up, go outside and walk and experience this amazingly beautiful countryside we live in.

"The benefits to our health both physically and mentally are enormous."

Rodney came up with the idea for the walk after attending a Medieval banquet with the Knights Templar of England and Wales.

Rodney Davies, 61, will walk barefoot (Image: Submitted)

"I needed an outfit to wear and I was, at the time, walking up the Ancient Monk's Path," Rodney explained. 

"One thing lead to another and here we are."

For the last few years, Rodney has not really walked. 

Rodney said: "My eldest son George encouraged me to as it was a great relief for stress. So far I have lost three stone and I feel so much more positive and healthy.

"The walk on Sunday will be supported by George Davies, 33, my eldest son and his partner Tanya, Freddy Davies, 30, and little Arthur, aged six months, and her fiancé Tom, Toby and Jo Tunstall and friends Emma Best and Jo Beckett with a host of other friends and supporters.

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"The walk is open for anyone who wants to come and walk off Easter Sunday lunch."

Rodney said his main concerns ahead of the walk is rain.

"The path is narrow and steep in places," he said. 

"I am not so worried about walking on sheep and goat presents! But sharp stones will cut my feet and we hope to climb Snowdon the following weekend."

Rodney is keen to raise money for St David's Hospice following the death of his mother Anne Davies. 

Anne sadly passed away 18 months ago to cancer. 

"I felt it was really fitting to help St David’s Hospice who provide such amazing care and love to everyone," Rodney added.

The 'Monks Challenge' is set to be an annual event.

To donate and support Rodney, click here.