We did it!

The agony and pain behind completing a marathon four-day challenge for charity have been revealed by one of its participants.

Last week, we announced how Dianne Spencer, Sharon Davies, Fflur Roberts and Kim Evans were to embark on a 135-mile challenge to conquer Glyndwr’s Way in just four days, which meant a trail ultra-marathon per day across the unforgiving Mid Wales terrain.

The good news is that they did it! But it was not without pushing themselves to the absolute mental and physical limits.

“It was extremely tough, probably a lot tougher than we could have ever thought,” said Sharon, who is well known for starting the popular local ladies running club, The Dolly Mixtures.

“We prepared well for it but to have actually finished it now is surreal. It was very, very hard.”

The route took the four through some of our most stunning countryside from Knighton and ending up in Welshpool at 1am to a crowd of well-wishers. The weather was not particularly helpful either but there were supporters catching up with them along the way to keep them going.

The adventure took its toll and there was heartbreak on Day Three when Fflur had to seek medical assistance due to a sprained ankle suffered during training flaring up. She tried to soldier on but the pain became too much.

“She never complained and was very brave as she was in agony,” said Sharon.

Day Four was particularly challenging with 18 hours needed to reach the finish line – and this was after just two hours’ sleep the night before - but they were not to be denied.

“It was such a nice feeling to get there,” Sharon added. “We couldn't have done it without our supporters who were there with us every day. Edward Davies and Fflur’s parents - Emyr and Morfudd Roberts. Caroline Johnson and Claire Allen on Day Four. Also we had members of Dolly Mixtures either running with us or supporting us every day as well as members of Maldwyn Harriers and Mercia Fell Runners.

“People are already asking me what next but right now we are in too much pain to think about it!”

They also received support from Morrisons, Coco Coffee Shop, John Lowe Electrical, Pentrenant Poultry, Fiona Wright, Fit and Well Massage, Serendipity Flowers, Constructiv Clothing and Cwpan Pink Café. They all contributed with supplies, kit and costs towards accommodation.

The ladies also want to say a special thanks to Knights Construction who donated a whopping £1,000.

They have already raised over £6,000 for Bowel and Cancer Research and there is still a chance to dig deep and support their efforts. To support, you can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sharon-Davies26.