WELSH rugby star Gareth Thomas is expected to arrive in Kendal this evening (Wednesday) during his epic 500-mile cycle challenge from Cardiff to Aberdeen.

The former Welsh and British Lions rugby captain is pedalling from Cardiff to Aberdeen to raise money for Sport Relief, covering three nations in seven days.

He will deliver the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2019 trophy to this year's winner live on stage on Sunday at Aberdeen's new P&J Live Arena. England cricketer Ben Stokes is the firm favourite to win.

Gareth's Tour de Trophy journey has seen him cycle 12 hours a day and battling rain and heavy winds to reach the city in time for the glittering awards ceremony.

Thursday's leg of the journey will see him pedal from Kendal north through Cumbria and up to Gretna Green.

While raising money, Gareth will learn about the work being done to tackle stigma in the UK that Sport Relief makes possible.

He said: “We all deserve to live without being stigmatised for who we are. Everyone deserves acceptance, everyone should be celebrated and feel able to access support. I want to help break the cycle of the stigma and raise vital funds for Sport Relief projects that include supporting mental health issues, homelessness, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+ discrimination and vulnerable people”

On the challenge ahead, Gareth added: “I know this is going to be incredibly tough; I have been training my heart out and the nerves are really building. I am going to really need the support of people across the UK to get me through this.”

If you would like to donate, see www.sportrelief.com