A SPORTS therapist from north Pembrokeshire is hoping to raise money for charity by 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 will begin on March 28, the day of his 49th birthday, and is aiming to cover around 50 miles a day.

Mark is hoping to kick start his fundraising efforts with a charity dinner at Nant y Ffin Hotel in Llandissilio on Saturday, February 28.

Tickets cost £35 and this will include a three-course meal, live band and a charity auction.

For more information about the event, and to sponsor Mark, visit his website www.forgefieldcraft.wix.com/charitycycleuk or his online donation page www.virginmoneygiving.com/charitycycleuk. Alternatively you can call him on 01994 230150.