RICHARD Park’s £1 million, record-breaking challenge was to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care – a charity close to his heart.

Speaking after his reception last night, Mr Parks said he chose Marie Curie as his uncle Terry died following a battle with the illness, as did a close family friend he considered an auntie.

His father Derek had a large part of his stomach removed after being diagnosed with stomach cancer and is currently battling back to health, so the former Newport Gwent Dragon said choosing this charity was a “natural decision and very personal”. With the physical aspect of the challenge out of the way, Mr Parks said he always knew the bulk of the fundraising would need to be done when he had finished, so he is throwing himself into this new part of the challenge to raise £1 million. Mr Parks paid tribute to all the people who came out to support him last night and was keen to emphasise how much his team have helped him through the past 18 months.

He said: “It’s not very often I’m lost for words, but tonight was just overwhelming and humbling – what an amazing way to return to Wales. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had in Wales. The challenge has been about so many people and quite simply I can’t raise the funds without the support of the public.”

In between the fundraising endeavours which lay ahead, Mr Parks said he is looking forward to spending time with the people he has rarely had the chance to see since setting out on his epic quest.

He added: “I’m quite a simple man at heart, I’m looking forward to spending time with my mates and family.”