There’ll be some sore legs around Whitland this morning – but a week of pain has been worth it with almost £13,000 raised for poignant causes.

Last Monday players, coaches, and supporters of the rugby club started out a seven day challenge to run a combined total of 404 miles by 7pm each evening. Each day, that number was easily beaten, with those involved smashing out 680 miles on Sunday to take the overall total 4,571 for the week.

And the efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by the public with more than £12,500 having been raised via the event Just Giving page – with proceeds going towards Hywel Dda, the CoppaFeel! charity, and to support Laura Setaro.

Laura, the wife of Whitland first team player-coach Nico Setaro, was diagnosed with breast cancer in December at the age of 26.

She is currently undergoing treatment, but still inspired many by getting out with Nico and the couple’s young daughter Lili to add miles to the total herself.

And the challenge received some high profile support. As well as a host of former players sending goodwill messages, Dan Carter, Lee Byrne, Steve Moore, Shane Williams, Ian Gough, Danny Cipriani, Brad Mooar and Sean Fitzpatrick were just some of a host of famous faces to off encouragement via video.

Another former rugby international, local favourite Mike Phillips, took part himself.

“I just want to say a massive thankyou to everyone who ran, donated, or sent good luck messages,” said Nico Setaro.

“It was a gruelling seven days but everyone put a huge shift in and we as a family are so grateful.

“And I have to mention Natalie Walsh, Millie Harry and Katie Thicker who did so much behind the scenes to help this all run smoothly.

“It’s been an unbelievable week.”

Walsh herself added: “I’m a little bit sad it’s all over to be honest. I’ve loved being part of the team over the past week, with everyone pushing each other on when things got tough.

“Initially the senior players decided to walk or run 202 miles a day – with 202 being the combined age of our club (130) and National Health Service (72). But then we thought why do an average challenge when we could smash out a big one – so we doubled the mileage.

“There was true character from everyone involved and it just shows that your rugby family really is the best kind.

“And it has been a pleasure to support Nico, Laura, and Lili.”

You can donate to the cause here.