TAKING on giant inflatables, slides, swings and gladiators is all in a day's work for a superhero, and one man from Penarth took on just such a challenge recently, all in aid of charity.

Aled Thomas, aka 'Captain Cymru', 23, recently took part in the 'Gauntlet Games' - an obstacle course fundraising event - dressed as his self-designed superhero to raise money for autism charity Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru (ASCC).

"I did the Gauntlet Games in my 'Captain Cymru' costume as part of the superhero themed dress code for the event," said Mr Thomas.

"It was a great costume to wear until I was soaked to the skin during the marathon and it was a struggle to hold down my cowboy hat as I tackled each obstacle. The bright green colour was turned brown pretty quickly by the mud of the Coedarhydyglyn fields."

Mr Thomas, who is on the autistic spectrum himself, decided to put his name forward as one of a group of competitors participating on ASCC's behalf.

The Gauntlet Games is held in cities across the UK every year, to allow people to raise funds for a charity of their choice.

"While my fellow competitors and I walked through the dark wooded paths of the forests, some of which were narrow, muddy and full of stingy nettles, we had no choice but to grab onto tree branches or whatever we could find to avoid falling in the wet mud.

"The worst parts were every time I came across a hill. Two other competitors, Ben and Spencer, got to the top well before me and were waiting for me for a significant amount of time while I was sluggishly walking to catch up with them again."

And whilst Mr Thomas thoroughly enjoyed taking part and raising money for ASCC, he regrets his lack of preparation for the gruelling event.

"If I had the chance to do this challenge again, I would train more beforehand and approach the obstacles more vigorously instead of trying to avoid the mud at every possible chance.

"It was great to raise money as a team for ASCC as it does a lot to help people with autism. I've raised a total of £150 so far and hope to raise more for this worthy cause.

To donate to Mr Thomas' fundraising efforts, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/aledthomas21.

More details about the the gauntlet games can be found at http://thegauntletgames.co.uk/.