Newtown cyclist Philip Thomas is used to heading off on his bike for weeks on end, but his next trip will not only raise money for charity, it'll help save a wood near Newtown.
Philip is to cycle 2,000 miles over six weeks from Thessalonika in Greece to Estonia in northern Europe to raise money for his childhood playground - Dolforwyn Woods, near Abermule.
Last year Philip cycled from one end of Iceland to the other in aid of the Ponthafren Association in Newtown.
A Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, the wood has, for the last four years, been leased by the Trust from the previous owners who transformed the previous Forestry Commission woodland into a high quality wildlife habitat, home to rare species of plants, insects, birds and mammals.
The lease is fast running out and to save this vital habitat the Trust is launching an appeal at the end of April to raise £145,000 to purchase the woods, which will ensure they are safe for the future benefit of people and wildlife.
Phil has agreed to use his long distance cycling experience to help get the ball rolling and raise money for the appeal.
Starting on Monday he will be cycling a distance of 2000, wild camping along the way despite unusually cold temperatures for this time of year. He will carry a GPS spot tracker which will help supporters follow his progress on his blog www.philip89thomas.blogspot.co.uk.
Phillip said: I’m hoping it will get warmer very soon and I’m looking forward to the challenge, I hope people will join me to save this lovely woodland for the future."
For more information on Phil’s epic journey and how to support the Dolforwyn Woods Appeal visit the MWT website at www.montwt.co.uk.
And you can also follow Philip on his journey via MyNewtown. We'll be bringing you news of his trip as he undertakes it.
Caption: Philip Thomas during his Icelandic trip last year.