THIRTEEN years after walking the Pembrokeshire Coast path on behalf of Shalom House hospice, a Haverfordwest man tackled the entire length of the Welsh coast to raise funds for the charity.

In 2001, Mark Thomas, 43, walked the Pembrokeshire coast in seven days on behalf of Shalom.

This year, he hiked 900 miles and collected almost £800 for the St Davids-based hospice, which provides free care for people with a life limiting illness, and support for their families and friends.

Mark set out on his epic journey on June 1, and broke down the mileage in to 55 separate walks. He took a short break after “over-doing the mileage” while hiking from Chester to Anglesey, and completed his mission at the end of August.

“It was a big relief to finish!” he said. “I have been wanting to do it for 13 years, ever since I did the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, but I only got around to doing it this year.”

Mark’s sister died two years ago, and he says her spirit inspired him to keep going when he felt himself flagging.

“She lived in Cardiff, and wasn’t connected with Shalom House, but thinking of her kept me going during my walk,” he said. “I chose to support Shalom House because it’s a Pembrokeshire charity, and it was important to me to support a great local cause. I just wanted to do my bit to help people in my county.”

A Shalom House spokesperson said the charity was “absolutely delighted” by Mark’s contribution.

“We are always grateful for funds. Donations have enabled us to increase our day care to Monday to Friday, and we are doing once-a-month respite care weeks. We’re working hard on our financial situation so we can continue to provide this level of care, which has increased from a year ago.”