Top Rugby referee Nigel Owens and his co-presenter on S4C’s Jonathan, Alex Jones will be challenging Cardiff to take part in the Specsavers Walk for Life. The Walk for Life, Kidney Wales Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, has a twist this year. The support of three of the Capitals biggest choirs and upcoming superstar Gwawr Edwards will give the event a singalonga theme.

On Friday 19th March at 14:00 outside the Cardiff Specsavers store representatives from the choirs will join kidney patient Hugo Pagett, Nigel, Alex and Specsavers staff to sing and promote the walk.

The Specsavers Walk for Life will provide support for patients and their families across Wales. Patients like two and half year old Hugo Pagett from Cardiff. Unlike his twin brother, Hugo has kidney failure. He receives treatment at the Childrens Kidney Centre in Cardiff, a facility to which Kidney Wales gives considerable support.

Frank Moloney, Director of Specsavers Cardiff, says: "As the official partner for 2010, we encourage all our customers to get their walking shoes on and join Specsavers teams and Kidney Wales in supporting a worthwhile cause and one that is truly appreciated by kidney patients and their families."

Roy J. Thomas Executive Chairman of Kidney Wales Foundation said

"People across Wales are organising Walks for Life with communities getting involved and supporting patients, like Hugo, and his family. I look forward to walking with them, Nigel, Alex, the choirs and the staff from Specsavers next Sunday."

The Cardiff Specsavers Walk for Life takes place on the 28th March starting at Y Mochyn Du pub off Cathedral Rd at 11:30am. The walk is short and designed so anyone can take part. It will finish at Cardiff Castle where light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the Walk for Life visit www.kidneywales.com or contact 029 2034 3940. Alternatively, visit Specsavers Queen Street Store.

Notes to Editors

Hugo Pagett and his family will be at the photo shoot and are available for interview. Contact Tristan Williams on 029 2034 3940 for their details.

Alex Jones, along with Sarra Elgan is a patron of the 2010 Walk for Life. Alex and Sarra launched the walk after visiting the Children’s Kidney Unit at the University Hospital of Wales.

The Kidney Wales Foundation also leads the Donate Wales campaign working with 7 other organisations to persuade people to join the organ donor register.

The three choirs supporting the Walk for Life are Cordydd, Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal and Cor y Mochyn Du. Gwawr Edwards is shortly to release a new album featuring collaborations with Bryn Terfyl and Catrin Finch. http://www.gwawredwards.com

As well as being the principal sponsor for Walk for Life 2010, Specsavers also sponsors match officials, including Nigel Owens, for the Magners League in Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The opticians also sponsors the Specsavers Fairplay League, where the team with the least disciplinary points against them in a season is awarded a sum of money to be spent on their youth development programme