Matt Jones, a 42-year-old former Royal Marine from Wrexham, Wales, completed a 70-mile (112 km) hike through the Clwydian mountain range while carrying an 80-pound (37 kg) fridge freezer on his back. The trek, known as the Llangollen Round, was completed in under 36 hours and raised over £50,000 ($68,000) for Hope House Children’s Hospices.
The challenge was inspired by a bet with his late wife, Victoria, who joked that he would next attempt the hike with a fridge on his back after he completed it in 2018 despite severe injuries. Following her sudden death in December 2024, their four children reminded him of the promise, prompting him to undertake the feat in her memory.
Jones trained rigorously, describing the preparation as the hardest he had ever done mentally and physically. He faced blustery conditions during the hike, with the fridge acting like a sail, but was driven by memories of his wife and support from his children, who joined him for parts of the journey.
The endeavor, which began as a private tribute, gained local attention and highlighted Victoria’s inspiring legacy. Jones credited his late wife’s spirit and their family’s love as driving his perseverance.
