A LOCAL Monmouth man has raised £3,000 for Dementia UK after participating in an ultra-marathon.

Local runner and Wye Valley Walks Social founder Simon Jones has completed a 50km ultra- marathon from Hay-on-Wye to Monmouth along Offa’s Dyke in memory of his mum while also raising a large amount of proceedings to support the charity.

The challenge followed months of training. Combining running, strength and conditioning at Ludus Gym, where Simon worked with coach Dai.

Simon set an initial target of £1,000, and then later increased it to £2,500 as donations continued to pour in, a target which has now surpassed now reaching £3,000.

“I’ve gone from being a casual trotter to completing a 50km ultra,” said Simon.

“It was tough, but knowing I was doing it for mum and all the families affected by dementia kept me going.”

Simon was supported throughout the challenge by his family and friends, with Sarah and Phil joining him for part of the route.

Being out in nature is something which he enjoys as he runs a community walking group that supports physical and mental wellbeing and despite never taking part in an ultramarathon before he set himself the ultimate challenge which he has now completed.

The Beacon spoke to Simon early this year in January where he said: “I’ve done a 20-mile race in the black mountains around three or four years ago and a couple of off-road half marathons.”

After a challenging journey Simon said crossing the finish line was an emotional moment. The end of the ultra-marathon was based at Watery Lane in Monmouth and he managed to get there in seven hours and 31 minutes.

“I cried my eyes out. It meant so much,” added Simon.