A couple who are running 2,600 miles around the entire coast of Ireland in a bid to raise funds to help vulnerable children and orphans around the world have described their journey as "epic".
Simon Clark (59) and Rachel Winter (45) are hoping to raise more than £10,000 for the Ecologia Youth Trust, a Scottish charity which provides children with education, mentoring and support.
The pair, who have been running for seven months, have completed 2,300 miles and raised £6,000.
They have so far faced snow, ice and rain in Donegal and are now making their way to the north along the westerly coast.
Simon Clark, a building designer, and Rachel, who is a former Administrator and Volunteers Co-ordinator for the Ecologia Youth Trust, have no support team and are carrying everything they need, often wild camping in sleeping bags.
The couple, who have no budget for accommodation and are surviving on a £10 daily budget, have been taken in along the way by Irish hospitality, taking refuge in hotels, hostels, holiday homes, and the homes of friends.
They hope to finish back in Dublin before returning to their home in Findhorn in Scotland by the end of March.
Rachel said the "encouragement and generosity" the couple had received along the way had so far "been incredible".
Speaking about the challenge, Simon said: "The struggle of deteriorating weather and dropping temperatures has been eclipsed by the instantaneous warmth of the Irish people and their desire to help in any way they can. Their generosity means we can help some of the most vulnerable children who are enduring tough struggles of their own".
More information about the challenge and how to donate can be found at www.ecologia.org.uk/run-around-ireland
