POWYS sheep farmers are no strangers to hills, but two of them will be taking on a mammoth challenge later this year when they attempt to conquer two peaks in the Alps.

Dewi Evans and Daniel Hartford will attempt to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe, in July.

The duo, who both farm near Builth Wells, will warm up to Mont Blanc by climbing Gran Paradiso, also in Alps, during a week-long stay in France and Italy.

Dewi is taking on the epic trek as he thought it would be a good way to celebrate turning 40, while there is also a more serious side too. He is raising money for Cancer Research Wales, after his wife Lucy was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year.

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Daniel, 41, will be raising money for the Wales Air Ambulance as he knows first-hand just how vital the service – soon to be leaving Mid Wales, in 2026 – is. Both his mum and dad have needed it in England following separate incidents.

“I’m doing it for Cancer Research Wales, following Lucy’s diagnosis and recovery from thyroid cancer last year,” said Dewi, who turns 40 a few weeks before they head out.

“Cancer is something that affects so many of us, and unfortunately it came into our home when Lucy got diagnosed early last year.

“This obviously came as a great shock with Lucy being so young and, with four young children, we just couldn’t help fearing the worst.

“Lucy being Lucy, she just took it in her stride, and after countless hospital appointments, a major operation and some radiotherapy, we were delighted to get the news just before Christmas that Lucy is now cancer free.

“We as a family are so grateful to everyone that got her well, especially the teams at Worcester and Cheltenham, and I feel it’s now time that I give a little bit back.”

At a little under 5,000 metres (4,809m), Mont Blanc is the seventh tallest mountain in Europe, and the highest outside the Caucasus mountains. Gran Paradiso is only slightly lower, at a mere 4,061m.

County Times: Local man climbs hill: Dewi Evans says he's doing the trek for charity, as well as celebrating turning 40. Local man climbs hill: Dewi Evans says he's doing the trek for charity, as well as celebrating turning 40. (Image: Dewi Evans)

Dewi, a livestock farmer from Llangammarch Wells, added: “This is obviously something I am not taking lightly and will require a lot of training, and the fact that I am turning 40 this year offers an extra challenge.

“Training has been challenging, doing grade 1, 2 and 3 mountain climbs all around Snowdon.”

Daniel, 41, runs a sheep farm with his fiancée in Abergwesyn, having moved to Mid Wales around two years ago.

“This is a personal challenge but at the same time I would like to raise as many donations as possible for the Wales Air Ambulance charity because you never know when we might need them to save a life,” said the dad-of-three.

“In remote locations the air ambulance is essential and the best way to save someone’s life is to have this essential service.”

The boys have been getting lots of training in ahead of their tall task and are at least surrounded by plenty of challenging walks and peaks; they’ve been spending most weekends climbing Snowdon, the Brecon Beacons and Cambrian mountains.

They also set themselves the challenge of taking part in the Welsh Three Peaks. They will be entering a relay team in the famed Man vs Horse race around the hills of Llanwrtyd Wells next month; taking on the Welsh 10 Peaks and, if time permits, they will also aim to take part in the Welsh 3000s in 24 hours.

County Times: Daniel, with training buddy Greg Watkins. Daniel, with training buddy Greg Watkins. (Image: Supplied)

Daniel added: “I’ve always loved being in the hills; as children my brothers and I were always taken to the Lake District by our parents for holidays.

“We have many special memories of the area and of the times we spent there, this is where my passion of hills came from.

“Then I was lucky enough to begin skiing as a teenager and have skied nearly every year since.

“It’s while skiing in the Alps that I’ve looked at the gigantic peaks in amazement and respected anyone that had the strength and mind set to conquer them on foot.”

Hannah Bartlett, of the Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Daniel has set himself a huge personal challenge, that most people would shy away from.

“He has trained thoroughly and we wish him and Dewi the best of luck in completing the challenge in aid of two important charities.

“Daniel knows first-hand how essential air ambulances are, and we’re delighted he wanted to support his our service. Fundraisers like Daniel’s will ensure we continue to be there for the people of Wales 24/7.”

You can aid Dewi and Daniel’s causes by donating at their JustGiving pages. Visit Dewi’s at https://shorturl.at/X3vfA and Daniel’s at https://shorturl.at/SNEgu.