World runner 'astonished' at MBE

Hundreds turned out in August as Rosie Swale Pope finally returned to her home town of Tenby, Pembrokeshire

A grandmother who spent almost five years running round the world to raise prostate cancer awareness after her husband's death has become an MBE.

Rosie Swale Pope, 62, said she was "astonished" and dedicated the award to her family and those who supported her on her 20,000 mile (32,000 km) journey.

She returned to Tenby, Pembrokeshire, in August having run across Europe, Asia, the US, Canada and Iceland.

"I think it belongs to all the people who supported me on my run," she said.

"I've been very lucky - I'm very proud," she said of her appointment in the New Year Honours.

She set off on her 57th birthday in October 2003 after her husband Clive died.

Running around the world was a huge privilege Rosie Swale Pope, pictured in Times Square, New York

Hundreds of people lined the streets in her home town, including friends she had made from as far as Alaska and Chicago, to welcome her back.

She described her achievement as a "fun run that got out of hand" after initially estimating it would take about two years to complete.

She said she had enjoyed her first Christmas back at home for five years.

"Running around the world was a huge privilege," she added.

"I had great support especially from people in my home here [in Tenby] and my family.

"I'm busy writing my book now so I'm reliving it all over again."

The MBE was awarded for charitable services.

Others from south west Wales recognised in the New Year's Honours include Dorothy Neyland of Gowerton, Swansea.

The 74-year-old has been involved in the local Guides since 1970 and also set up Gowerton Gymnastics Club, now called West Street Gym.

Fellow Swansea residents cyclist Jody Cundy, conductor Davida Lewis, Peter Griffiths, an operations manager for the RNLI, and Frederick Rose for charitable services to the Anglican church and music, are also awarded MBEs.

British Swimming's head disability coach Billy Pye of Neath is awarded an MBE for services to sport.

Veronica Prichard of Newport is awarded an MBE for services to angling and the environment and David Thomas, also from Pembrokeshire, an MBE for services to the community in St Davids.

David Newsome, head teacher at Dyffryn Taf Secondary School in Whitland, Carmarthenshire, is awarded an OBE, as is Alan Fry of Swansea, chief executive of the South Wales Police Authority.

OBEs also go to Joan Asby of Narberth, chief officer of the Pembrokeshire community enterprise agency PLANED, Donna Mead, professor of nursing at the University of Glamorgan and to Geoff Snow of Neath for services to the construction industry and apprenticeships in Wales.

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