A BUILTH Wells man has vowed to climb to a local beauty spot that overlooks the town every day for an entire year.

Simon John, a popular Builth resident known more familiarly by his nickname ‘Jungle’, ascended Garth Hill on Saturday, February 13, and says he’ll do it another 364 times. The 53-year-old came up with the Jungle’s Garth Hill Challenge in order to raise awareness for the fantastic work being done for the town by Builth Wells Community Support throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

He’s set up a Local Giving fundraising page with the initial aim of raising £500. Supporters have donated £350 already.

Jungle, who’s involved with a plethora of local institutions from Builth Rugby Club to Builth YFC, and is renowned as a tireless community vlogger, posted a video of him atop Garth Hill – a gentle climb of 281 metres (922ft) – on day one of 365 on Saturday, just before Wales beat Scotland in the Six Nations.

“Right the way through lockdown our community support has, as always, been a fantastic support for everyone in our community,” he says in the video, posted to Builth YFC’s Facebook page.

“So, my challenge is that for 365 days I will walk up Garth Hill. I think I’ll get quite used to being up here.”

Jungle will start out from Castle Street each day, do a lap of the town centre, before heading up Newry Road towards the foot of the hill which is accessed via a farmer’s field about a mile out of town.

All in all, it’s likely that each day he’ll walk around 3 miles, meaning his total distance, if he manages to keep it up for a whole year, will be around 1,095 miles.

Jungle added: “Anyone who knows me, family and friends, know that when I get an idea in this head of mine, 10/10 I will do it.”

On Monday, Builth Wells Community Support said via their Facebook page: “A huge thank you to Jungle John for doing this – good luck, only 362 more days to go!

“Jungle is walking up Garth Hill every day for a year to raise money for Builth Community Support. Keep an eye out for updates on our Facebook page and our website, we will be charting his progress and announcing theme days when you can join in on the walks.”

Builth YFC also praised Jungle for his idea. “From all at the club, we wish you the best of luck and we will be behind you all of the way,” they said on their Facebook page.

If you would like to support Jungle and donate to the cause, visit his fundraising page at https://localgiving.org/fundraising/jungles-garth-hill-challenge-1613227973/.