WREXHAM welcomed a group of serving and former military personnel and a former Welsh rugby captain who ran from south to north Wales in aid of military charity Blind Veterans UK.

The serving and retired personnel of The Royal Welsh - joined by ex-Wales captain Ryan Jones - completed the gruelling 141 miles from Cardiff to Wrexham in 24 hours on between Thursday 5 and Friday 6 September as part of their three years of fundraising challenges in aid of Blind Veterans UK.

The run consisted of the group of four runners completing 33.5 miles each of a total 134 miles.

In the first of a number of challenges the team aim to complete to support Blind Veterans UK, Captain (Retired) Colin Jones MBE (campaign organiser), Ryan Jones (WRU Performance Director, former captain of the Wales rugby team and the British and Irish Lions), Second Lieutenant Ieuan Jones (Platoon Commander in A Company, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh) and Kristian Jones (ex RAF Regiment and the reservist unit of the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh) embarked on a relayed road run from the Headquarters of The Royal Welsh, Maindy Barracks in Cardiff.

Inspired by finding out a friend and fellow solider had experienced life changing injuries, Colin was determined to raise money for Blind Veterans UK and not only hope to raise financial support but also raise public awareness of the charity.

Other challenges the team will take on during this period include blindfolded ascents of Pen-Y-Fan and Snowdon and a blindfolded walk from Blind Veterans UK’s Llandudno Centre to Hightown Barracks, Wrexham.

Being no stranger to succeeding in the tasks due to 30 years of charity challenges under his belt, the team of four crossed the finish line in Wrexham together on Friday.

On completion, Colin Jones MBE, said: “Morale has been high during the run. We have had fantastic support throughout and are now keen to get on with the next challenge and continue raising funds for such a worthy charity.”

Ryan Jones, was happy to lend his support and be part of the relay team.

He said: “There are close links between Welsh rugby and the forces and I was really happy to do my part with this great group of lads. I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can do together over the three years of the campaign.”

With opportunities for the public to join in with Colin and his team in future challenges, any donation they wish to make now and support Blind Veterans UK can be made by visiting their Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/colinjones910