AT the age of 56, most people would be looking to slow things down.

But it's safe to say that Rowan Hammond, of Fishguard, is not most people.

Instead, Roaming Rowan' has just begun a 285-mile paddle and pedal journey to raise money for two Pembrokeshire charities.

Rowan will cycle and row between Llangollen and Teddington Lock in London using a folding bike and folding kayak.

Throughout the trip she will be travelling bike in a boat' or boat on a bike' to raise cash for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Pembrokeshire Mind.

Speaking before her trip began yesterday (Tuesday), Rowan said: "I'm really looking forward to it and especially camping along the river banks.

"I'm expecting Birm-ingham to be quite tough, because it's such a built-up area, but I'm confident and raring to go."

Rowan, a health care assistant with the Paul Sartori Foundation, is no stranger to adventure.

Last year she made the trek from Land's End to John O'Groats.

If you would like to sponsor Rowan, contact Pembrokeshire Mind on 01437 769982 or Paul Sartori Foundation on 01437 763223.

Or log on to www.justgiving.com/roamingrowan to donate and keep up to date with Rowan's progress.