Mark Thomas is putting his best foot forward to raise money for Shalom House, St Davids.

Mark of Haverfordwest is walking the entire length of the Wales Coast Path – approximately 900 miles. His marathon challenge starts on Sunday June 1st at Chester and he hopes to arrive at Chepstow during the first week in July.

No stranger to marathon walks, Mark completed the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in seven days in 2001, raising £730 for Shalom.

Over the years he has covered many thousands of miles on foot and in preparation for his latest venture he has already walked other sections of the Wales coast including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and the Gower and also parts of North Wales.

“I have wanted to walk the Wales Coast Path for 12 years, but it has only been officially open for two years,” said Mark. “I wanted to raise money for Shalom because I felt connected with this local charity.”

Shalom House is a purpose-designed five bed centre, registered as an independent hospital with Health Inspectorate Wales.

Its aim is to provide care for people with a life limiting illness and also support for their families and friends.

The charity is reliant on donations and fundraising and Heather Phippen, a trustee and acting chairman of the Shalom Fundraisers said: “We were delighted when Mark approached us and said he would like to raise money for Shalom. We hope that people will support him.”

If anyone would like a sponsor form contact Mark on 01437 454403 or email markthomas1@hotmail.co.uk or Doris Goddard on 01437 763675 or email doris.goddard@hotmail.com, or go to www.shalomstdavids.org.