A family who tragically lost a member to cancer are taking on a Gavin and Stacey themed walking challenge which started in Billericay yesterday.
Mathew Horne, who plays Gavin, Stefan Rhodri, who plays Dave Coaches and actress Ruth Jones who plays Nessa in the hit BBC sitcom have all thrown their weight behind the 200 mile journey from the Essex town to Barry Island.
It is being done in memory of Pia Eaves who died in September 2021 aged 54 of pancreatic cancer with her family now hoping to raise £100,000 for charity Pancreatic Cancer UK as a result of their walk.
A team consisting of Pia’s husband Simon Eaves, daughters Rhiannon and Emilia, Simon’s brother Kevin Eaves, Pia’s best friend Donna Bliss and Pia’s elder sister, Paolo Matthews started the 12 day challenge yesterday from the Costa Coffee on 59 High Street.
They will arrive at the famous Marco’s Café on May 1 which is Mrs Eaves wedding anniversary and birthday.
Mr Eaves said: “It is horrendous that Pia has been taken away from us so early. Pia was more than a wife to me – she was my lifelong partner, my soul mate and my best friend – I will miss her desperately.
“The world is a darker place today without Pia in it but our memories of her will live on and her legacy will survive through Rhiannon and Emilia. I feel very lucky and privileged to have known her and share my life with her.”
He added: “As a family, we think it is important that we can help and prevent other families from going through what we had to which is why it is important to raise funds to research and prevent this dreadful disease.”
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The Guildford-based family will be joined throughout their walk by other friends, other family members and surprise local celebrities along the way.
Gavin and Stacey was a favourite of Mrs Eaves who grew up in Barry. It was the show she watched to cheer herself up while undergoing treatment and it soon became a firm family favourite. Given her connections and love for the show the themes challenge was an obvious choice to help raise money.
To donate to this cause please visit the website at: www.walkforpia.co.uk.
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