TWO brothers are set to complete a gruelling four-day challenge through Wales which will see them complete four of Wales's toughest physical challenges.

Anthony Priest, from Abersychan, and his brother Nathan, from Blackwood, are looking to raise money for Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind by completing the ‘One in Four Challenge Wales 2018’.

The challenge involves four of Wales's toughest challenges combined, including the North to South Wales Cycle, the Welsh Three Peaks challenge, the Fan Dance in the Brecon Beacons, which includes a 25km weighted march on Pen y Fan and through the Brecon Beacons, and completing two Ironman triathlon distances, including an open water swim off the coast of Hollyhead to begin the challenge.

Anthony Priest said: “I have always been into sport, I played rugby and now I cycle. So, it’s something totally new for me. It’s been a steep learning curve. But Nathan does Ironman challenges quite regularly.

“I have been in and around mental health in a work capacity for a few years now.

“We wanted to get the message out that people can speak about their mental health and that it is not shameful or weak to do so.

“One in four people are affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives, so that’s where the idea of the challenge came from.”

The brothers are hoping to raise £4,000 for Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind, which would be enough to pay for ASIST suicide intervention training for eight people, quick access counselling sessions for young males and a homeless fund to support the homeless community who have been supported through Mind.

Mr Priest said as well as raising money for the charity, it was as important to raise awareness.

He said: “When we were coming up with the challenge we were quite keen to do something that had never been done. It was about building something to catch people’s attention to raise awareness.

“We are getting random people in the streets stop us and ask us about the challenge.”

“We have been down to meet the staff at Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind and they have been very supportive with us.

“To build an event like this we needed people to help. Everyone has really bought in to it. A local company came forward and sponsored us for three nights accommodation.

“We did a fundraiser at Blackwood Cricket Club, where we raised £1,225 through ticket sales, donations and a raffle. Nigel Owens donated two signed autobiographies for us to auction in the raffle.”

The brothers are set to complete the challenge between Thursday, October 11 until Sunday, October 14, starting in Holyhead and working their way to Cardiff.

For more information, or to donate, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/1in4challengewales2018