NEWPORT hero Richard Parks received a rapturous welcome from staff and councillors at a civic reception held in his honour yesterday.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons rugby player turned mountaineer was greeted by more than 100 workers at Newport’s Civic Centre in celebration of his historic 737 challenge.

Wearing a blue suit and a blue and red tie, his bandaged, frost-bitten toe visible in a brown sandal served as a reminder of the dangers he he faced during his challenge.

Newport’smayor Margaret Cornelious – who presented him with a £100 cheque for Marie Curie Cancer Care from the mayor’s charitable donations fund – congratulated the adventurer on his “amazing” achievement and said the city was proud of his success.

Council leader Matthew Evans said the history maker had captured the imagination of the Welsh public, who he said he felt sure had been moved and amazed at what he went through while climbing the seven tallest mountains on the world’s continents and reaching three poles all within seven months.

He added: “Richard, you are a great role model and proof that when you put your mind to something it can be achieved.”

The modest man thanked everyone for their welcome and said he was sincerely grateful for the support of the council.

He also paid tribute to two staff members who took part in a bush tucker trial-style fundraising event in aid of the 737 challenge, which aims to raise £1 million for Marie Cure Cancer Care.

Once the formalities were over, Mr Parks, 33, of Ridgeway, took time to speak to staff and signed autographs.

Speaking before he attended a lunch in his honour in the Mayor’s Parlour, he said was overwhelmed by the celebrations, adding: “It’s great not just for me but the team and the people who worked hard behind the scenes.”

Although he is working hard on the fundraising trail, raising more than £80,000 towards his total to date, Mr Parks admits he is looking forward to putting his feet up on a holiday to Morocco next week.

But when he returns he will be concentrating on putting his epic tale down on paper to write a book.

He added: “The physical challenge has finished but the challenge as a whole is no where near finished, we have got a really big mountain to climb with the fundraising.”

The Argus is also calling for Mr Parks to receive an honour in the Queen’s New Year honours list.

  • To make a donation to Mr Park’s cause visit www.737challenge.com