TWO ex-paras are to hike along the English-Welsh border to raise cash for charities close to their hearts.

Gordon Pitman, 49, from the Gaer, Newport, and Davy Rogers, from Cwmcarn, are to lead a team of walkers along Offa’s Dyke next month.

The team of eight, dubbed 22nd Adventure, will begin their walk from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, on June 1 and plan to finish in Newport eight days later. They will raise cash for Parkinson’s UK and the Huntingdon’s Disease Association.

Mr Pitman said that he chose the Parkinson’s charity as he had lost his father Gordon Pitman to the disease, who was believed to have caught it from being bitten by an insect while unloading a ship’s cargo.

He said the disease took several years to take hold: “But when it did the feeling of anguish and frustration it caused him and our family was one of despair.”

“I believe people suffering with Parkinson’s, like my father, who never give in to this disease are credit to all and show immense courage and willpower to try and deal with this cruel, unforgiving and untreatable illness.”

Mr Pitman added that Mr Rogers’ family have suffered with Huntingdon’s disease, a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects muscle coordination and eventually leads to cognitive decline and dementia.

22nd Adventure is holding a fund-raising evening in the Celtic Manor on June 9 - the day after they return – from 7.30pm, with a charity auction and a raffle.

To find out more visit 22ndadventure.com or find them on Twitter @22ndadventure.