A SPORTS therapist from north Pembrokeshire is closing in on completing a challenge of a lifetime.

Mark Oriel from near Maenclochog set off on his 5,000 cycle journey around the UK on March 28, and has now completed all but the last 50 miles.

He has been in the saddle for 88 days, and as well as cycling the coastline, he has covered Anglesey, Isle of Bute, Isle of Skye and Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Mark said: “The kindness and generosity from strangers and the ongoing loyal support from friends has been inspirational and heart-warming.”

Mark’s last leg of the journey will take place on Sunday, August 2 from Loughor Bridge to St Clears, and everyone is welcome to join in.

The meeting point is the Swansea side of the bridge at 9am.

Mark, who owns The Injury Clinic in St Clears, is raising money for 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.

He is well on his way to his £10,000 fundraising target, which would cover the cost of 10 cancer patients going on a week-long residential course and any injured players to lead a more independent life.

Speaking before the challenge, 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.”

For more information, and to sponsor Mark, visit his website forgefieldcraft.wix.com/charitycycleuk