A LIFE coach and guide dog owner from Paulton has completed the gruelling 15-mile ‘Fan Dance’ route over Welsh mountain Pen y Fan to raise funds for Guide Dogs.

Mark Long took on the challenge traversing the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons on May 2 to symbolise the journey he has already taken in adapting to life with sight loss.

At age 12, Mark was diagnosed with the eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, which causes progressive sight loss. Now 44, he was paired with guide dog Mary three years ago after his sight deteriorated.

Mark set out from the iconic red telephone box that marks the start and end of the route, accompanied by sighted guide runner Gus. They returned just under five hours later.

He said: “For other people going through sight loss, I don’t want them to feel that there are any restraints on them achieving what they want to achieve. As a blind guy, I wanted to prove that by doing something the SAS do.

“I’m really relieved to have finished – it was way tougher than I’d anticipated and I’m so pleased to have gone out there and done it today.

“Thank you so much to everyone who’s donated so far. I’ve been blown away by people’s generosity.”

CEO of Guide Dogs’ Andrew Lennox also joined on the day, hiking up to Pen y Fan’s summit in advance to provide a check-in point.

He said: “Congratulations to Mark on completing this incredible challenge. The route is a demanding one, with steep climbs, difficult terrain and sheer drops along the way. It’s a remarkable achievement and a real testament to his determination.”

Mark is aiming to raise £102,000, the cost of breeding, training and supporting a guide dog throughout its working life. Donations can be made through Mark’s Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/pounds-for-puppy-penny