A fundraiser who will spend the next four years embarking on an epic 20,000 mile walk around the coast of Britain and Ireland, has spoken of the warm welcome she has received on her journey so far, after reaching Tenby on the weekend.

Fifty-three-year-old Karen Penny who lives on the Gower Peninsula, set off on her charity challenge on January 14, from Pennard Primary School, hoping to raise as much money and awareness of Alzheimer’s Research UK, a cause close to her heart, before she returns home.

She is taking on the fundraiser to raise money for dementia research after her mother-in-law Alma and father-in-law Kingsley died of dementia-related illnesses.

Karen is intending to walk about 15 miles a day and to walk for seven days at a time, before taking a rest day, staying in some campsites and wild camping for the rest of the time.

Her husband Mark Faulkner, will drive their camper van to meet her every six weeks, giving her somewhere to sleep and relieving her of her big rucksack.

Karen has already been met with plenty of generosity and good will on her journey, highlighted when she reached Tenby from Pendine on Sunday, when the proprietors of the Glenthorne Guesthouse situated at Deer Park, put her up for free, following a chilly night pitching up in Saundersfoot.

“I have Wi-Fi, charge and a warm bed, thanks to the wonderful generosity of The Glenthorne Guesthouse Tenby who have warmly welcomed me here, washed my clothes and looked after me in order to send me on my way on Tuesday!’” said Karen.

“I did not expect the amazing help I have been given and its support like this which will keep me going for the next few years - one day at a time,”

Karen also bumped into town councillor and former Mayor, Clr. Trevor Hallett whilst in Tenby, who insisted on giving her a guided tour of the resort and buying her a cup of tea.

“In Tenby, Trevor says you should leave nothing but foot prints and he is right - it’s a gem,” continued Karen who said she has spent many a family holiday in Tenby, along with trips to support friends competing in Ironman Wales and the Long Course Weekend.

Karen has previously raised more than £6,000 by running a marathon and walking from John o’ Groats to Lands End before setting off on this challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

After leaving Tenby, Karen was heading off to Stackpole and Freshwater West this week, with the aim to reach Fishguard by Thursday, January 31.

She will then cross to Rosslare and spend six to eight months walking around Ireland and Northern Ireland before returning to Wales and then making her way north to Scotland.

Karen has already reached nearly £10,00 on her JustGiving fundraising page, with the aim to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

You can visit her page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson and also follow her progress on Facebook at: ‘Karen Penny The Penny Rolls On Walking Britain and Ireland’.