A CARDIGAN man has set himself a daunting challenge to raise funds for the town’s primary school.

Darren Williams will tackle the 100 miles from Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium back to Cardigan Rugby Club on a handbike to help raise cash for a new gym at Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi.

The 32-year-old, from from Maes-y-dderwen, was badly hurt in a road accident back in April 2014 and suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury.

But that has not stopped Darren competing in paratriathlons and now he aims to take on what will be his toughest test yet.

“Cardigan Primary School is looking to raise £25,000 for an inclusive world class gym. This gym will be able to be used by children of all abilities including children with autism and those with extra physical needs,” said Darren.

“I feel so passionate about it. I myself went to the school, my eldest is there now, and my youngest will be going too.

“I also know plenty of people whose children go to the school. It is important children exercise and it'll be fantastic to have a facility like this for them to use and the thought I can help the kids and show what you can achieve is a real motivating factor for me.

“It gives me something to aim for.”

And while Darren has competed in paratriathlons, the furthest he has cycled on his handbike so far is 30 miles, and that has been under controlled, competition conditions.

“This is a very big distance for me to tackle,” said Darren, who will be putting in the hard miles in training ahead of the ride.

“I will be out on the open roads and it’s going to be so tough both physically and mentally – I will feel every single bump and pothole. At times, I know I will be down to crawling pace tackling the uphill sections,” he said.

Friend and personal fitness coach Rhys Harries will be cycling alongside Darren and is plotting the route, which they plan to tackle in the last weekend in May. Physio Michael Douglas and brother-in-law Dafydd George make up the rest of the support team.

“I have to look after my own welfare – from making sure I take on enough fluids and food to managing toilet breaks and looking out for pressure sores and aches and pains - and nothing will be easy,” said Darren.

“But having Rhys alongside will be a massive help. I couldn't think of anyone better to ride it with me.

“Rhys is also passionate about the school gym, and together we really hope we can raise a good amount to go towards it.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darren-williams-132?utm_term=ABaKeB5RM