Kirk Hicks, Tom Reardon, Chris Chaney and Joe Little were schoolmates at Llantarnam Comprehensive School.
Earlier this year, Joe – 41 and a Gwent Police officer – was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
His three pals are doing the Welsh Three Peaks to raise money for Joe’s family.
Chris said: “We’ve known each other since we were born, always been close. The three of us wanted to do something for him.
“Not many people have still got the same close gathering of school friends.”
He joked about the fitness levels of the three of them and said: “The Welsh Three Peaks would be a challenge, one boy does HYROX [a fitness competition], one does StairMaster [a piece of gym kit] every day, and I’m the stair lift.”
Since the trio started training, with walks up Pen y Fan, the Skirrid and Sugarloaf, under their belts, Chris has seen his weight drop from 21.5 stone to 17.5 stone.
‘Lovely family’
Chris said that the success of the GoFundMe set up by Joe’s workmates, “says a lot about the lives that Jono [their nickname for Joe] and his family have touched. Sally, [Joe’s wife] has been immense, a proper rock. They’re such a lovely family.”
They’ve set up a Facebook page where they’re recording funny videos to document their training.
Chris said the friends enjoy “taking the mick out of each other” and “don’t take each other too seriously”, adding: “We want to keep that camaraderie. He does enjoy seeing them [Joe watches their videos].
They plan to walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Cader Idris and Pen y Fan on Saturday 23 August. Chris’ wife will be the driver, and plans to bring a gas stove to help keep the friends refuelled after each mountain.
Donate to the appeal
This is the link to donate to the fundraiser for Joe Little and his family.