A climbing instructor is to take on a 30-day trek around Wales to celebrate Pride month.
Jani Foldi, 36, who lives near Brecon, will take part in the charity fundraising walk in June, and will carry a Pride flag with him every step of the way.
Jani will take two million steps on his 1,000-mile journey, which begins from Llangors and will take him through all 22 counties of Wales.
During the challenge, Jani will camp out every night, carrying his Pride flag and all equipment on his back as he takes in the sights and scenery of the Welsh landscape.
The purpose of the challenge for Jani is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jani said: “I have always been inspired by stories of people. Unfortunately often seeing more hatred towards our community, not just online but in real life as well, I really would like to help and raise awareness by walking, meeting people, listen and document their life stories, that can be shared with others.
“This is a huge challenge, both physically and mentally. Never done anything like this before. I am really excited to meet people from Wales.”
Hungarian-born Jani, who has lived in South Wales for nine years, will set off from Llangors on the June 1.
He plans to visit all of Wales’ major cities and towns while speaking to people he meets and documenting their stories.
During the ‘Walking Proud’ challenge ,Jani will tackle Wales in a clock-wise direction - heading through Abergavenny and Chepstow before travelling to Newport and then Cardiff on the Welsh Coast Path. He will then pass through Swansea before heading to Pembrokeshire and North to Anglesey and Snowdonia.
His return journey will see him tick off Wrexham, Welshpool and Llandrindod Wells.
‘’I am organizing small events on the locations I am staying for the night, to meet people who would like to share their stories,” said Jani.
“Everyone has a story to share - it is really important for growth and to educate each other. Watch out for your local LGBTQ community hubs, because there might be something popping up soon.”
There are also possibilities to meet up with Jani on the go, if you would like to walk a couple of miles with him.
“This voyage of discovery into Welsh Queer culture - I want to connect the landscape and the people of Wales who work and walk on it,” added Jani.
Jani has been preparing for this challenge since December, and opened his Instagram account and website to reach out to like-minded people.
Jani has been walking and exploring his local area, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, in preparation for the challenge, walking an average of 20 miles on each hike.
During March, he ran the 62km challenge for Stonewall - the largest LGBT rights organisation in Europe - raising funds for the charity.
The keen walker has been also practising some outdoor skills this winter as he wont spend any nights in hotels or AirBnB’s, choosing instead to camp out under the stars.
Using JustGiving as a platform, Jani has chosen to support charities close to his heart, such as Cancer Research, Stonewall, MacMillan, Shelter and Trans Aid Cymru
Jani said: “A lot has happened in the past couple of years. So many friends and loved ones died from cancer, or committed suicide, I was really broken after my father died in January last year, he was my best friend and I want to dedicate this walk to him, because of the amazing dad he was and the only person in the family who loved me no matter what.
“Coming out to my family was difficult and it didn’t go well, except with dad.”
Jani added: “The reason I would like to fundraise for Stonewall and other LGBTQ charities, is because they are amazing charities helping people as there is still a big prejudice against LGBTQ people in Wales, hearing horrifying stories of youth being treated badly by their parents, assaults and even murder. This needs to change!’’
Anyone wishing to support Jani on his journey should visit: @walkingproudseries or walkingproudseries.co.uk