A 53-YEAR-OLD woman plans to walk 20,000 miles over four years to help a charity close to her heart.

Karen Penny, a member of Newport Parkrun and Lliswerry Runners, plans to walk from the Gower around the coast of Britain and Ireland in an intense charity challenge that won’t see her return until 2023.

Ms Penny, who is retired, will set off on this adventurous challenge on Monday, January 14, and hopes to raise at least £100K for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

(Picture: Chris Tinsley)

Ms Penny plans to walk for 15 miles a day, for seven days in a row, with a rest day in between.

She will set up her tent each night, ahead of her journey the following day which will also involve her carrying all her belongings.

Her husband, Mark, will drive to meet her in their campervan every six weeks, giving her the chance to catch up with him and spend a few nights in the campervan.

(Karen Penny on her final parkrun, at Tredegar House, ahead of the challenge. Picture: Chris Tinsley)

She spoke with South Wales Argus whilst travelling to Manchester to appear on BBC’s Breakfast Show tomorrow morning.

Ms Penny said: “I’m nervous about being on BBC's Breakfast show. I’m not sure I have the face for television; my husband jokes I have the face for radio.

“I’m not too nervous about the challenge, but I am excited. Realistically, the only way to get my head around a four-year challenge is to take each day as it comes.

“I’ve got such a supportive group of family and friends who will all be in contact, probably every day, so I’m never going to be on my own.”

(Picture: Chris Tinsley)

Ms Penny is no stranger to challenging herself, having completed five marathons and - in 2017 - she walked from John O'Groats to Land's End.

“This is a bigger challenge,” explained Ms Penny.

“When I completed John O'Groats to Land's End, I thought ‘now for the next one’ because I enjoyed it so much.

"This is a beautiful country and I’ve never been to Ireland before, so what a fantastic opportunity to get out and explore what we have on our own doorstep.”

(Video: Chris Tinsley)

Ms Penny’s passion started at Tredegar House, after a friend suggested trying out parkrun.

READ MORE: Hundreds of runners take part in Newport parkrun's anniversary event

“I started going there and it was addictive,” said Ms Penny.

“It’s great for physical and mental health; you recharge your batteries and get some lovely fresh air. It’s a massive community of wonderful, like-minded people.

“If it wasn’t for parkrun, I would not be in the position to take on this challenge, nor would I have the confidence.”

(Picture: Chris Tinsley)

Ms Penny hopes to raise £100,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. The charity is important to Ms Penny and husband, Mark, as both his parents died from the disease.

Although Ms Penny doesn't set out until Monday, the JustGiving page has already raised more than £4,000.

“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease and we need a breakthrough,” said Ms Penny.

“Reading comments on the JustGiving page makes you really appreciate how badly this disease affects people and families

“Thank you to everyone who’s shown their support, including complete strangers who have donated. It keeps me motivated and determined.”

One of those supporters is Chris Davies, parkrun Ambassador for Wales, who said: "Karen is an inspiration and, on behalf of all of us at parkrun, I would like to wish her luck on her travels."

You can donate to Ms Penny’s JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson