Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to be able to support former Dragon Richard Parks as he attempts the 737 Challenge in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. For the derby game at home against Cardiff Blues on Monday, 27th December 2010, the Men of Gwent will take to the field in a special one-off kit, designed by Richard himself. In-keeping with Dragons tradition, the players’ shirts will be auctioned in the New Year to raise funds for the 737 Challenge.
Richard has started out on his adventure of a lifetime: to climb the highest mountain on each of the world’s continents as well as reaching three poles – the South and Geographical North Poles and the summit of Mount Everest – all in just seven months. If he succeeds, the former Rodney Parade favourite, who was cruelly forced to retire by a shoulder injury, will be the first to achieve these incredible feats within a calendar year.
After months of gruelling training, Richard will be joined at different stages of his record-breaking attempt by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Olympian Steve Williams OBE, and Marie Curie Nurse Jan Suart. Following in the footsteps of earlier great explorers, the former Wales international and Barbarian will aim to conquer the South Pole, Antarctica's Mount Vinson, Argentina’s Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro in East Africa, Indonesia’s Carstensz Pyramid, the North Pole, Mount Everest in Asia, Denali in Alaska and finally Mount Elbrus in the Russian Caucasus.
Richard is thrilled that the Dragons players will be taking the field in the kit, and that proceeds will be donated to his 737 Challenge which is raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
“I’m very grateful and proud of all the support I’ve had from the Welsh public and local businesses” he said.
“The Dragons hold a special place in my heart as I started and finished my career here in the region. I am very grateful and proud of the support I had from the Dragons fans and management during my career-ending injury, and now in my 737 Challenge. Being given this massive derby game against the Blues to help me with my fundraising target for Marie Curie Cancer Care is awesome, I just wish I was playing!
"Cancer has affected my family deeply, like so many of us, and I am privileged to be raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. They also have a strong link with the region, as their national nursing dispatch call centre is based in Pontypool. I know it’ll be an awesome day, Dragons versus Blues derbies always are”.
Richard also hopes that all the fans love this unique kit designed by Richard and Dragons kit sponsor Gilbert, he added; “I’d like to thank Gilbert for donating and producing this fantastic kit, I hope everyone loves the shirts which will help us raise funds on what promises to be a fantastic day”.
We wish Richard all the best in his amazing adventure, and are sure that every Dragons fan will want to give him their support and best wishes for a successful record attempt.
You can find out more about the 737 Challenge and the ways you can sponsor Richard at www.737challenge.com; or on Facebook at facebook.com/737challenge and Twitter at twitter.com/737challenge.
Tickets for the Blues fixture are on sale now from the Rodney Parade ticket office (01633 674990) and online.
