A CHARITY walk from Ammanford to Anfield in memory of a local man was a hard but successful challenge.

On June 24, a group of 13 walkers set off from Ammanford and arrived in Anfield - the home of Liverpool Football Club - on July 1.

They were walking in memory of Ryan Davies, from Ammanford - a big Liverpool FC supporter - and raising funds for Ryan4leukaemia.

Ryan4Leukaemia was set up by Ryan when he was going through treatment for a rare form of leukaemia, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 22.

South Wales Guardian: The group visited Wrexham on their walk.The group visited Wrexham on their walk. (Image: Ryan4Leukaemia)

He wanted to help others in a similar situation to himself and the charity has continued helping others following his death in November 2016 at the age of 32, after a decade of battling leukaemia.

The charity has been Ryan’s legacy, with thousands given out to families going through leukaemia treatment to help with travel costs and with costs for treatments not available on the NHS.

Wales rugby stars Jamie Roberts, Richard Hibbard, George North and Dan Lydiate all pledged their support in video posts on the Ryan4Leukaemia Facebook page whilst the walk was underway.

The group included Ryan’s brother and dad, as well as a number of his friends, who took on the 160-mile trek to end up at his favourite football club, where Ryan has a plaque.

South Wales Guardian: Ryan's plaque at Anfield was the end destination.Ryan's plaque at Anfield was the end destination. (Image: Ryan4Leukaemia)

Mum Melanie Davies said: “It all went very well. It was a very hard challenge for all the walkers. 160 miles is a hard task, but everyone finished the walk with pride.”

Currently, they are still counting the final total, but the fundraising page stands at more than £13,000.

“We have raised a lot of money,” said Melanie. “Ryan would be so proud that his father, brother and friends did this walk for his charity Ryan4Leukaemia.

“Our family would like to thank all the walkers, drivers etc, and everyone who helped get this walk going. YNWA.”

South Wales Guardian: Ryan Davies set up Ryan4Leukaemia when he was battling the disease himself.Ryan Davies set up Ryan4Leukaemia when he was battling the disease himself. (Image: Melanie Davies)

The Ryan4Leukaemia JustGiving page says: "Ryan faced everything with a smile on his face and always had time for everyone, even making time to set up this charity to help others.

"That tells you everything you need to know about Ry, through his hardest days he was still thinking of others.

"His name will always live on as long as there’s a few old friends willing to keep Ryan4Leukaemia going."

To find out more about Ryan4Leukaemia, visit www.facebook.com/Ryan4leukaemia