Round-the-world adventurer Rosie Swale- Pope is embarking on a marathon-of-marathons challenge a little closer to home.

She plans to run 26 marathons in 26 days in Wales and England, in an extraordinary feat of endurance which will raise funds for two children’s hospices.

Rosie, aged 63, will be towing her faithful Icebird cart along with her as she sets out on her runs in September, which will see her clocking up almost 700 miles on the road, and which she is looking forward to as “a little adventure”.

“I won’t be breaking any speed records as I am a very, very slow, ordinary runner, but I am determined to make it,” she said.

“I shall be taking it gradually, with a break in the middle of every day —although there will no doubt be the temptation and pressure to do it all in one go!”

The Tenby grandmother hopes to raise £3,000 each for Ty Hafan, which is the only children’s hospice in Wales, and Helen and Douglas House in Oxford, which was the first children’s hospice in the world.

“We’re delighted that Rosie has chosen us to benefit from her fundraising,” said Ty Hafan spokesman Liz Rundle.

“We wish her all the luck in the world on this mind-blowing challenge.”

Rosie’s inspiration for her latest challenge was comedian Eddie Izzard, who completed 43 marathons in 51 days, and also by Pembrokeshire businessman Matthew Evans, who clocked up ten marathons in ten days.

Matthew is chief executive of Activity Wales, which is planning a major triathlon event — involving a marathon, sea swim and bike ride. This will be based in Tenby between September 24th and 27th.

“We’re calling it the Long Course Weekend and are hoping it will become a big community celebration, as well as a huge sporting event,” said Matthew, who is working with Activity Wales director, Scott Powell, on its organisation.

“Our marathon course will be the first in Pembrokeshire and Rosie will be the first to try it out on April 5th, and then she will use it for the first of her 26 runs on September 24th.”

Added Rosie: “The weekend is going to be a fantastic one for Pembrokeshire.”

o To sponsor Rosie, visit www.justgiving.com/rosie -swale-pope.