Friends and family have come together to honour a Bridgend father, described as an “absolute legend”, following his death in a motorcycle crash. Robert Curl, 37, died after a collision on the B4265 Wick Road on Friday, May 22.
Emergency services were called at around 3pm after reports of a crash involving a Suzuki motorcycle and a red Toyota Yaris. Despite their efforts, Mr Curl was pronounced dead at the scene.
His death has left a “profound void” in the lives of those who knew him, especially his two young children, who friends and family say “adored their dad”. To support them, those closest to Rob organised an endurance challenge: climbing Pen-y-Fan 10 times in 24 hours.
Challenge held in memory of Rob
The challenge took place on Tuesday, August 25, with family, friends, colleagues and community members taking on the highest peak in South Wales. The fundraiser was organised by one of Rob's best friends, Paul Huxtable, 44, from Pontypridd.
Paul described Rob as someone who would always go out of his way to help others. “Rob was one of my best friends, I knew him for many years,” he said. “You know when people say certain individuals are a 'larger than life' character? Well, he really was. The best way I can sum him up, at the top of my head, is that he would do anything for his friends and family, and he had the heart of a lion, especially for his children.”
Rob dedicated much of his life to helping others, both professionally and in his own time. He spent years as a PCSO with South Wales Police, serving communities including Port Talbot, Ely and Fairwater. He was particularly passionate about the Ely community, where he built lasting relationships through his commitment and compassion.
Community response and fundraising success
Paul also recalled how Rob helped his teenage son find a part-time job, using his network of contacts. “Within the hour he'd rang five companies,” he said. “He went above and beyond for anyone. Always went the extra mile for anyone - friends, family, even strangers.”
Rob also volunteered with the School of Hard Knocks, a national charity that uses sport to support young people and adults facing inequality, including through rugby coaching. His reputation was reflected in the response to the Pen-y-Fan challenge. While the original idea involved just five people, days before the event 30 people were expected to participate, but even more arrived on the day.
Paul spoke while taking part in the challenge himself, midway through an ascent. “It's very informal - do what you can, listen to your body and try and honour his memory; get what we can for his children,” he said. By 6pm, two people had completed the challenge of walking up and down Pen-y-Fan.
Support for Rob's children and mental health cause
The challenge has also provided comfort for those dealing with the loss. “It's been very therapeutic,” Paul admitted. “The first thought when this happened was to do what we can for his kids because Esme and Margot - they're very young. We wanted to help as he is not here to support and provide for them.”
Participants wore T-shirts from My Mad Head, an apparel brand that supports mental health, which Rob had advocated for. Paul said Rob had contacted him about the brand around a year ago, trying to help it raise awareness of mental health. “He'd absolutely love that,” Paul said.
Businesses from Ely and Fairwater donated food and drink, and the GoFundMe fundraiser has reached £4,910, just shy of its £5,000 target, something Paul described as “unbelievable”. “It's really rewarding to know people are wanting to help - even the people who didn't know Rob,” he said.
For Paul, the most special thing is bringing joy to Rob's family during a tragic time. When asked what Rob would think about the event, Paul said: “I have no doubt that Rob would be involved in this kind of event if the shoe was on the other foot and something had happened to someone he cared about. He'd be so proud of all those involved... and touched to see how much people loved him.”
