Flintshire fundraiser Rhodri pushes himself for charity

Rhodri Roberts has already scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and climbed Mont Blanc for charity.

He has completed the National Three Peaks Challenge and the Six Peaks Challenge, spanning the biggest mountains across the UK and Ireland. Just before lockdown he successfully conquered Mount Elbrus, the highest and most prominent peak in Russia and Europe.

While many enjoy a lie-in at the weekend, Rhodri is doing training runs up Snowdon, cycling many miles and swimming in freezing lakes.

Now the legal secretary at Chester's oldest law firm, Cullimore Dutton, is about to take on a new series of local challenges to raise more money for charity.

Rhodri Roberts out cycling.

The 49-year-old will take part in his first triathlon - the Bala Standard Triathlon - this Sunday. The event, which will be aired on S4C, starts with a 1,500m swim in the waters of Llyn Tegid, followed by a 38.6km bike ride and finishes with a 9.4km run.

Next month, he also plans to complete the Chester Triple, which consists of the Chester 10k, Half and Chester Marathon. He has already completed the 10k and Half Marathon.

Next year he plans to do his first Ironman and wants to tackle the Matterhorn, which at 4,478 metres high is one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.

Rhodri, who joined Cullimore Dutton in 2008, has raised thousands of pounds for charities including Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, WaterAid and Cancer Research since he started his challenges.

Rhodri Roberts tackling Mont Blanc.

He said: "I'm nearly 50, a bald dude from North Wales, and if I can do physical challenges like this, then anyone can. I'm hoping to inspire people and give them the confidence to get up and out into the fresh air.

"Being Welsh, I love mountains, and you get a huge sense of achievement when you climb them. It's also great for your physical and mental health.

"I only started running during the pandemic and as a way to mix up my mountaineering training. I read that only one per cent of the population does a marathon, so I thought I'd give it a go. I can never say no to a fresh challenge.

"I'm quite nervous about taking part in my first triathlon especially as I've done most of my swimming training in a local pool, and only recently in a local lake. What will keep me going is thinking about other people who might not have the opportunity to do something like that. I'll be doing it for them."

As part of his training, Rhodri has been swimming and running three times a week, working out in the gym most days and also doing Trigger Point Pilates.

Andrew Wright, managing director of Cullimore Dutton, said: "We're all incredibly proud of Rhodri and the tough physical challenges he has set himself to raise funds for charity and to help other people. He is a real inspiration."