TELEVISION presenter Sarah Thomson has completed the 870 mile Welsh Coast path from Chester to Chepstow in a record 24 days, raising more than £3,000 for the charity ShelterBox.

Sarah, who is a presenter on CITV’s Bear Gryll’s Survival School, set off from Chester on 11th October, aiming to complete the challenge in 30 days.

But after averaging an incredible 36 miles a day, she beat her own expectations and the previous recorded time of 40 days.

The path is equivalent of running 33 back-to-back marathons and whilst summiting Kilimanjaro 60 times.

Sarah had chosen to perform the challenge in October to increase the difficulty, experiencing wet and cold weather. She carried 40lbs of kit on her back though-out the challenge, and picked up food supplies from drop-points along the way.

Sarah said: “I had an amazing time. I’ve fallen in love with Wales and Welsh people, a few families have taken me in and cooked for me along the way and passers by have offered high fives, jelly beans and cheers.

“I had surprisingly few low points, as I’m one of those weird people that enjoys physical pain.

“I still can’t believe that I finished in 24 days. I thought 30 would be a challenge, but to be able to beat the current record by 16 days is unreal.

“Physically it has been really tough, as my feet are literally numb stumps at the end of my legs now. Mentally I have remained focused throughout and have had the thought of ShelterBox powering my every step.

“I have learnt a huge amount along the way and will forever be grateful for an incredible (and painful) experience. I’m quite sad it’s finished, but I now have so many ideas about what to do next.”

ShelterBox is a UK-based charity that provides survival and building supplies to disaster-stricken regions, and have helped more than a million people rebuild their lives after being founded in 2000.

Mark Nicholson of ShelterBox said: “ShelterBox is driven by compassion and enthusiasm. Sarah has both in huge quantity, and we are very fortunate to have her supporting our fundraising.

“This was a great adventure and a massive personal challenge, so we are delighted that she absolutely smashed the coastal run record. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”