ADVENTUROUS Penmaenmawr cyclist Claire Roberts has resumed her epic 18,000km cycle ride from Deeside to the Greek island of Lesvos to raise awareness of the plight of refugees.

Having started her journey at the end of May, Claire sadly had to postpone her journey and return home as her brother's condition worsened. He had been battling a rare form of melanoma and tragically passed away in June.

Claire vowed to return to her journey only when she was ready and, on September 5, she decided to hit the road once more. 

"I am still trying to keep to £7 a day, which is the basic amount an asylum seeker is given to live on in the UK," said the 55-year-old.

"My goal is the ride along the coast of the UK and Europe to the Kara Tepe refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos. I worked there with refugees on a previous trip and saw the suffering they face. 

"I am raising funds for ChooseLove.org and have a donations page where people can show support by donating to help refugees."

Claire's diary of her journey so far: 

  • May 27 - Little Sutton to Penmaenmawr - 58 miles with good friend Jen Wise. Spent £0.

  • June 3 - Penmaenmawr to Dwyran - 22 miles - called to spend a few days with mum and visit brother in hospital. Called in on Bangor University students encampment where some students are campaigning for a ceasefire and a free Palestine. Spent £0. 

  • June 9 - Dwyran to Rhoscolyn - 20 miles. Spent £0. 

  • June 11 - Rhoscolyn to Bethesda - 39 miles. Met friends Jo and Gareth, mostly followed National Cycle Route Eight. Passed a gorgeous private field and river complete with Monetesque bridge. Spent £0.

  • June 12 - Bethesda to Clynnog Fawr, calling at Bangor and Y Felinhili - 22 miles. Stocked up on supplies, spent £7.20. Met friends Simona and Pan West and Tim, Lliwen and their son Moi.

  • June 14 - Clynnog fawr to Botwnnog via Porth Colman - 36 miles. Spent £0. Tough day cycling, really windy and 3,205ft of climbing some quite steep hills. Some of the most stunning views I've ever seen, though as I arrived at my friend Judith's house.

  • June 15 - Botwnnog to Borth y Gest - 32 miles. Spent £3.07 on supplies. 

Claire has now picked up her journey again from Borth and in 18 days has managed to reach Cardiff, riding 510 miles around the coastal paths and passing through Aberystwyth, Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Carmarthen,  Llanelli, Swansea and Bridgend.

You can follow her progress on Instagram - @madlobster75.