Delight as hilltop trek raises cash; Teenager inspires charity walk.

Byline: Jackie Bow

A BRAVE teenager has inspired classmates, teachers, and friends to raise more than pounds 2,000 for a hospital-based charity that has supported him and his family.

Thirty-six students and staff from Afon Taf High School in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, completed a sponsored trek up Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons on Saturday in aid of Vale of Glamorgan charity Latch (Llandough Aims to Treat Children with Cancer and Leukaemia with Hope).

They called their trek Aaron's Walk after 16-year-old Aaron Roberts, of Mount Pleasant, Merthyr Vale, who was diagnosed with bone cancer in January.

Aaron had hoped to wave them off on Saturday but had to return to Llandough Hospital for further treatment. His older sister Amy was among the walkers.

The teenager is a Tottenham Hotspur FC fan and, as a special touch, a club flag was carried to the mountain's summit as a symbol of hope, and will be handed over to Aaron.

Walk organiser and form tutor Naomi Hitchings said they decided to support LATCH as a positive way of supporting Aaron, a very popular and able student, and class representative on the school's student committee.

Aaron told the Echo: ``Latch is a very important part of our lives and of everyone at Llandough. They give tremendous help and the hospital staff are brilliant.''

The walk raised pounds 2,325. Miss Hitchings added: ``I am absolutely delighted.''

Anyone wishing to support the school's efforts for Latch can send donations to Afon Taf High School, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil, ensuring that envelopes are marked ``Aaron's Walk''. The offices will be manned during the school holidays.