A PENARTH woman has shared her immense pride after her father began the ultimate challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’ Groats and back again – and he’s 88!

A keen athlete since his teenage years, Laurence Brophy – who now lives in Pencoed – has decided to take on the challenge to raise money for homelessness charity Llamau, where daughter Katy works.

He took on the challenge last year thinking he might be the oldest man to complete the journey, but he missed the record by one year, and has returned hoping to repeat the feat and claim the record.

Penarth Times: Ruth Brophy, Felix Brophy, Katy Brophy and Laurence BrophyRuth Brophy, Felix Brophy, Katy Brophy and Laurence Brophy

Mr Brophy is sleeping rough while he takes on the mammoth bike ride, which takes in 2,000 miles.

“He’s done this five times before and we’re astonished he’s still going, but I genuinely don’t think he’ll be stopping any time soon,” said Ms Brophy.

A school French teacher well into his seventies, what Mr Brophy might lack in raw talent he makes up for with fantastic endurance and drive, Ms Brophy said.

“He’s amazing, what he’s done for charity in his life is beyond compare to anything most of us could comprehend. We’re all very proud of him.”

Penarth Times:

Mr Brophy has raised thousands for Llamau as well as other charities throughout his life, but this is probably up there with the tallest of tasks.

So far he’s slept in a bus shelter, a few road sides, under a bridge and in a farmer’s shed.

He says he’s been drenched by wild weather, but he added he understands that many homeless people don’t have a choice as to where they sleep for the night.

To find out more about his journey visit https://www.llamau.org.uk/news/laurence-brophy-takes-on-record-breaking-adventure-in-aid-of-llamau.

To donate money visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laurencebrophy.