A sports therapist from north Pembrokeshire is setting out on the challenge of a lifetime this weekend, cycling around the UK.

Mark Oriel has only been in the saddle for 18 months, but as he grew fitter he decided to set himself a long-term challenge, and so followed what he calls the “brash decision” to cycle around the country.

Mark, who lives near Maenclochog, explains he had once been a fitness fanatic having been a physical training instructor in the Army and with the fire service. “Both are now distant memories,” he said.

Mark owns The Injury Clinic in St Clears and has been fortunate enough to have worked with a large number of rugby players and sports people during the 16 years he has been in practice.

He will be completing the 5,000-mile cycle journey in aid of two charities: Odyssey, which enhances the life of people with cancer, and the Welsh Charitable Rugby Trust, which helps players who have suffered life-changing injuries.

Mark said: “I felt it would be good to put something back into the sports that have looked after me so well over the years.”

He today, the day of his 49th birthday, and is aiming to cover around 50 miles a day.

For more information, and to sponsor Mark, visit his website forgefieldcraft.wix.com/charitycycleuk or his donation page virgin moneygiving.com/chari tycycleuk, or call him on 01994 230150.