A WORLD record was set in Barry yesterday when TV's Matthew Pritchard successfully ran his 23rd Ironman challenge in 23 days.

The Dirty Sanchez star is swimming 1.2 miles, cycling 56 miles and then running 13.1 miles every day for 30 days in a row for five charities including the Sully based Ty Hafan.
 

The previous world record for consecutive half Ironman challenges is 22 days and so, on his 23rd day, he officially beat the world record upon arriving at his finish line on King Square in Barry.

Mr Pritchard - or "Pritch" as he is more commonly known - started off his day with a swim at the Cardiff International pool before heading to Barry for cycle into Rhoose and the rural Vale before heading to Jenner Park where he was joined members of the public and schoolchildren from Ysgol Sant Curig for a few laps of the track.

From there he headed to Barry Island and back into town where he was met with cheers at his finishing line.

Speaking on King Square he said: "I feel absolutely great. Considering I was tricked into thinking I'd broken a world record on Dirty Sanchez years ago, to actually do it feels amazing.

"When you put a lot of hard work into something it pays off.

"The run around Barry was cracking. I used to come here when I was a kid so it brought back a lot of memories. I saw the new log flume over the Island and went to the Knap, where I used to skate so that brings back memories as well.

"I had a lot of people come out to support me and the sun came out to shine on me here in Barrybados."

With another seven days of challenges to go before he finishes his 30 day mission, Mr Pritchard said he was feeling more than up to the task.

"I'm feeling alright," he said. "Considering I've been doing this for 23 days I don't feel too bad.

"If anything I've got stronger as I go on. I'm looking forward to the next week."

Mr Pritchard is fundraising for Shelter Cymru, bigmoose, Guide Dogs, friends of Greenhill and Ty Hafan. He hopes to raise £100,000 by the end of the challenge.

Bigmoose's Chloe Smith, project manager for Pritchard's 100k challenge, said: "It's great to see the world record being broken today. He's worked so hard and he's just a lovely person."

To donate visit http://www.pritchards100kchallenge.com/donate/