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Two members of the Manic Street Preachers are joining a mammoth charity trek through Patagonia next year to mark the 150th anniversary when more than 160 people from Wales travelled there to begin a new life.

James Dean Bradfield and Sean Moore will be part of a 50-strong team hiking in aid of Cardiff-based Velindre Cancer Care Centre in November 2015.

Also following in the footsteps of the Welsh settlers will be Bafta-winning film producer Kieran Evans, it was revealed today. The line-up already includes BBC Wales weatherman Derek Brockway as well as a team from WalesOnline featuring columnist Carolyn Hitt and journalists Karen Price and Lorna Doran.

Manics frontman Bradfield said: “I’ve been a proud patron of Velindre for seven years, and as someone who has been fascinated by our Patagonia heritage, this trek has enormous appeal; it’s a great chance to raise funds for a cause that means a lot to me, and also a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors exactly 150 years on.

“The route takes in some amazing scenery with icefalls, lakes and views of the Andes, but we also face a tough six-day trek, carrying our own kit, camping and walking up to 22 hours a day; but this is nothing compared to the challenges that cancer patients face each day. So I hope people will dig deep and help Sean and I support Velindre.”

Head of Fundraising at Velindre, Andrew Morris, said: “ It’s fantastic news that James and Sean are joining our Patagonia trek – everyone knows their work schedule is brutal, and for them to take the time out to support Velindre is absolutely fantastic news, and the publicity this will create will give a huge boost to our Victory over Cancer appeal.”

Wales and Patagonia share a very special relationship; nearly 150 years ago 162 men, women and children sailed on the Mimosa for a new life in South America.

Despite many hardships more settlers arrived in Patagonia and the Welsh language is still spoken and eisteddfodau held each year.

Meanwhile, Brockway has organised an eight-mile walk through his home town of Barry on Sunday, November 30 to raise funds for Velindre ahead of his Patagonia mission. Entry for the event is £5, and each participant will be required to raise a minimum of £50.00. If you would like to join him, visit www.velindrefundraising.com/bookonline

The trek is the latest fundraising challenge organised by Velindre. Earlier this year a team of cyclists, including former Welsh rugby international Jonathan Davies, cycled from Boston to New York.

To support Bradfield and Moore, visit www.justgiving.com/manicspatagoniatrek