AN RSPCA inspector from Powys completed the final leg of an epic 590-mile, six-month run around south Wales at the weekend.

Dave Milborrow has been swapping his inspectorate uniform for his running kit to raise vital funds for the animal welfare charity. Dave, from Crickhowell, completed an entire lap of south Wales – a journey he started back on April 10 at the RSPCA Cymru HQ in Tongwynlais, Cardiff – by finishing the last leg on Saturday, September 25. The home straight saw Dave run from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, through Cardiff Bay and back to RSPCA Cymru HQ in the capital, finishing at approximately 4.30pm, where his colleagues gave him a rousing reception.

He was motivated to take on the challenge after witnessing a very difficult winter in 2020 for Wales' wild animals, and he wanted to raise money to support the charity's work with Wales' rich and varied wildlife.

The run posed massive logistical challenges, with Dave returning to his home in Crickhowell between legs, before heading back to where he most recently stopped to continue the journey.

More than £2,000 has already been raised by kind-hearted animal lovers, meaning Dave has comfortably beaten his initial £590 target; a pound for each mile of his proposed run.

Over 168 days, Dave documented his efforts on his dedicated Facebook page, 'Dave's South Wales Circuit for RSPCA', and started legs of his run all over the south Powys and south Wales region – including Hay-on-Wye, Monmouth, Kidwelly and Caswell Bay.

“It has been an unbelievable six months and it's been an incredible challenge, but my amazing supporters, who've helped me raise more than £2,000, have really kept me going,” said Dave.

“The RSPCA relies on donations to exist and I have been bowled over by the generosity of the public in supporting my rather ambitious run around south Wales.

“It has all been about raising money for animals in need. Last year, I witnessed such a very difficult winter for Wales' wildlife. Rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wild animals is quite an understated part of what we do but is vital to the work of the RSPCA, with stricken wild birds, hedgehogs, foxes and other wild animals so often in need of our help.

“The run has been a big logistical challenge as I have been starting off each run where I left off. So I've got to see some truly beautiful parts of south Wales.”

Elaine Spence, the RSPCA's chief inspector for south Wales, added: “We couldn't be prouder of Dave. This immense run has been a huge undertaking and has raised vital funds for the work we do every day helping animals in need. Every pound raised really does help.

“When he first told us his plan, we couldn’t quite believe it. But he’s absolutely nailed it.”

Dave has been on the frontline helping animals since 2014 and wild animals he has rescued recently include two daredevil badgers who were precariously stuck between metal steps and a wall on Pentre Lane above the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, in Cwmbran.

Anyone wishing to donate can still do so via Dave’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dave-milborrow1 or you can find out more information about the challenge on his Facebook page.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care visit their website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.