An Aberystwyth resident is running a 45-mile stretch of the Ceredigion coastal path to raise money for two “excellent” charities.

Joe Wilkins, 21, is running 45 miles from Mwnt to Aberystwyth, along the coastal path, on 20 September. Joe will start in Mwnt at around 6am and finish in on the promenade in Aberystwyth.

Friends will be joining Joe for sections of the run to show their support. Joe is raising money for two charities.

He said: “The first organisation is Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, which is a charity that is working to empower young people to make a difference in the future of this planet.

“I sit on the council of this charity and the work it does is incredible. Our flagship project is the creation of the world’s entirely youth-led reserve in the Choco Rainforest of Ecuador.

“The council has members from all over the world. It really is a fantastic organisation.

“The second is Mental Health Monster, which is an organisation working to increasing awareness and education of mental health, especially in young people.

“It was founded by a friend of mine and fellow Aberystwyth resident, Nathan Jackson.”

Joe added: “Mental health is also a cause that is very important to me, due to a variety of reasons including personal experience and the experience of those close to me.

“All too often, mental health is pushed aside and people are told to ‘get on with it’.”

Joe was born and raised in Aberystwyth, attending Llanilar Primary School and Penglais Secondary School, before going on to study ecology and environmental biology at Imperial College London.

After graduating this summer, Joe is “looking forward to moving back full time” to study a Master’s in environmental change, impact and adaptation at Aberystwyth University.

While Joe has always enjoyed being outdoors, running is a recent interest: “Before leaving for university I was a coach for the Aberystwyth Athletics Club Juniors and I have been returning to coach during university whenever I am at home.

“All the juniors have been invited to join for the prom – Covid guidelines permitting.”

You can follow Joe’s story on his Facebook page, ‘Joe’s Coastal Challenge’.

Those who would like to donate to Joe’s cause can do so by dropping off cash at CBW Property at 49 North Parade or in a collection pot in Joe’s place of work, The Hut, on South Promenade.