WEATHERMAN walking Derek Brockway has begun training for an epic South American charity fundraising adventure and he wants you to join his Barry launch.

Barry-born Derek, known to millions of viewers and listeners for his BBC weather forecasts and walks, will in November next year be part of a group of 50 participants who will trek Patagonia in aid of Velindre.

The expedition, which may also include comedian Rhod Gilbert, will mark the 150th anniversary of the Welsh settlers arriving in the country.

But Derek has homed in on his hometown of Barry to begin wearing his walking boots in and is seeking enthusiastic walkers, who can raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for Velindre cancer centre, to take part in the Barry to Rhoose leg, on November 30.

Derek said: “As I begin my training for this trek, I will be leading an eight mile walk that starts in my home town of Barry, and follows a route through the old docks along the coast to the most southerly point on mainland Wales, Rhoose Point. We will pass through sandy beaches, an old watchtower, an Iron Age settlement and many of the places featured in hit series Gavin and Stacey.

“I am fascinated by Patagonia, its history and connection with Wales and as a keen walker I’ve always wanted to visit this special part of the world. While I am there I will have the opportunity to practice my Welsh, say shwmae and hwyl am y tro!

“I am really looking forward to following in the footsteps of the first Welsh settlers 150 years ago. The trek is going to be a challenge and I will need to get fitter over the next 12 months but more importantly I hope to raise loads of money for Velindre so it can continue to help people in the future and with more research hopefully find a cure for cancer.

“Velindre is a wonderful charity and helps so many people including a few of my friends, family and work colleagues providing vital treatment, care and support. The number of people suffering from cancer is on the increase; none of us know what’s around the corner and I want to do my bit to help.”

The Walk with the Weatherman event will kick off at the Dock Offices, Ffordd Y Mileniwm, Barry, and move along the coast to Rhoose Point.

Derek added: “This is my first fundraising event and it will be a good way to see the sites of Barry. We may stop off at Marco’s cafe and at Porthkerry Park.

“The walk is eight miles long and fairly easy and there’s a train back to the start from Rhoose to Barry Docks. The walk featured on BBC Wales Weatherman Walking.

“It would be great to get the people of Barry involved and help raise money for such a fantastic charity. I just hope the weather will be fine for the walk.”

Entry costs £5 per person with each participant required to raise a minimum of £50 for Velindre.

To enter, visit www.velindrefundraising.com/bookonline or call Velindre Fundraising on 029 2031 6211 for an entry form and sponsor pack.

To support Derek and Velindre, you can also donate via www.justgiving.com/walkwiththeweatherman

Alternatively, text WWWM80 and an amount of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.