The community in Builth Wells have rallied to one man to join him on his mission to climb Garth Hill every day for a year.

Simon ‘Jungle John set himself the task to scale the hill almost one year ago - on February 13 - to raise money for Builth Wells Community Service while also raising awareness around mental health.

As of Friday, December 31, Simon had completed the hill, which sits 280 metres above Builth, 324 times - he only has 41 climbs left to reach his goal.

The 54-year-old said: “On February 13 I made myself a promise - for 365 days I will walk up Garth Hill starting on the Groe and finishing in Castle Street.

“The hardest part was in October because I really struggled a lot with the challenge when it became really hard.

“But, with encouragement from family and friends, I just got through it and now I’m back to my routine and enjoying the daily route and challenge.”

Likes so many towns and villages throughout the pandemic, Simon said that Builth had come together to help other out.

He said: “Builth Wells Community Service was in the thick of it. Picking up prescriptions for the vulnerable, collecting shopping for those who were isolating and driving those in need to hospitals and to wherever else they had to be - looking after the community.”

Simon made the decision almost a year ago to raise money for the voluntary group which was in need of money - at the time of writing, he has raised £1,976.

So far on his journeys, Simon has been joined by musicians, historians, various local sports figures and sports teams - all who have featured on his series of vlogs on his page Jungle Productions.

Simon said: “I’ve had fantastic support from the community - Builth Wells RFC and Builth Wells YFC join me regularly on my daily walk.

“I’ve had some regular walkers who have been a fantastic support during the 315 day I’ve completed.

“I know they will continue to walk with me until the last day.”

Some of those who regularly join Simon on his walks include Emma Davies, Brian Pratt, Guy Walker, Steve Owen, Andy Parry, Rob Evans and Damien Andrews.

Every morning, Simon and anybody who joins him head to local park The Groe for around 8am to start the climb.

Simon said: “I’ve learnt a lot about myself and had time to reflect a lot on my life’s journey to date and that’s always a good thing in my opinion.”