Parksy's Ponty comeback

Richard Parks has always been an iconic figure at Pontypridd RFC, a firm favourite with the fans since his playing days in the black and white. When he returned to Sardis Road on Friday evening 19^th August, his profile had risen to one of global hero.

‘Parksy’ was back at his old club to give a presentation on his recent exploits, completing the epic 737 Challenge which entailed conquering the seven highest peaks of the world’s seven continents, and standing on the three poles, all within the space of six months.

A packed audience in the Grandstand Lounge at Sardis, made up of supporters, former team mates, friends and family, showed their utmost admiration for the achievements of the most unassuming of heroes – Richard Parks.

The evening was compeered by Peter Johnson, who also held a question and answer session with Parksy, with further questions coming from the audience. DVD clips of some of the most memorable moments of the 737 Challenge were shown. The presentation gave an unique insight into the huge physical and emotional obstacles which the former Ponty flanker had overcome.

Talking of his ‘Ponty comeback’ Richard Parks said: “This is a really special occasion for me, coming back to the club. Driving up the A470 tonight the memories of my times here came flooding back, although true to form I was late arriving at the ground!

“The opportunity to share my experiences with the special community that is Pontypridd RFC, which has played such a big part in my life, is one that I cherish. I knew beforehand that this talk was going to be different from all the others that I have done.”

The 737 Challenge Night gave supporters an opportunity to share the intimate thoughts of their hero Richard Parks, and most importantly, provided another opportunity to raise funds for his chosen charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“The Challenge isn’t over yet” said Parks “and I remain focused on raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.”

Please log on to: www.737challenge.com to make a donation to a worthy cause, in the name of the most worthy of fund raisers.