Prime Cymru 200 mile Offa's Dyke challenge for Penarth man

Stephen West will embark on the ‘wild horse 200’ route which will take him along Offa’s Dyke, traversing the Beacons Way and then onto the Heart of Wales Line onto the Wales Coastal Path to finish at Worm’s Head.  

Starting at 6am today, April 13, Steve will have 120 hours (five days) to complete the 200 miles – which will include 30,187 feet of climbing. 

Although Mr West is a regular ultra-marathon runner this will be his longest run yet.

He said: “This is different, this is scary!

“I don't know if this is doable, but I'm going to try, and these donations will help keep me going when times get tough.”

He is taking on the challenge to raise money for PRIME Cymru, a charity founded by HRH The Prince of Wales, which supports older workers back into employment, self-employment volunteering or training. 

Mr West became a trustee for the charity in January 2020.   

“I strongly believe in PRIME Cymru’s work – it often starts with basics,” said Mr West.

“Confidence, social skills, and communication. We take internet and email communication for granted in the world of work these days, but often our clients at PRIME Cymru don't have a computer, or a smart phone.

“How do you look for jobs if you don't know how to use the internet?” 

PRIME Cymru chief executive, David Pugh, said it is “fantastic” that Mr West is taking on this challenge, adding: “Steve’s 200-mile gruelling race represents a huge challenge both physically and mentally.

“We are so proud of what he’s doing for us and all at PRIME Cymru wish him the very best of luck – go Steve!” 

You can donate at https://bit.ly/3E9JlTu and find out more about PRIME Cymru at www.primecymru.co.uk