by Joe Jeffrey
Group of cyclists set to complete challenge in just 12 hours
A group of cyclists are set to embark upon a gruelling 110-mile bike ride to a caravan park on the Cambrian Coast on Friday morning for a wonderful cause.
The cyclists will be heading for Islawrffordd Caravan Park in Talybont, near Barmouth to raise money for the West Midlands Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Support. They expect to complete the ride in 12 hours taking in Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury, Welshpool and Dolgellau during the process.
The ride has been organised by Martin Whelan from Stourbridge to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the loss of his mum, Maureen, who died from cancer.
Martin explained that his family has enjoyed holidays in Barmouth for many years and his mum’s favourite place was Islawrffordd Caravan Park, where the family had a caravan holiday home.
Since childhood, he has wanted to cycle from Stourbridge to Islawrfford. Now to celebrate his 40th birthday, and as a tribute to his mum, he decided to do it this year and friends and acquaintances are coming along for the ride.
“I have been going to Barmouth on holiday since I was five and Islawrffordd was my mum’s favourite place and it remains my favourite place because there are a lot of happy memories there,” said Martin.
“We decided to choose a cancer charity, as well as the West Midlands Air Ambulance, and the support I have had is fantastic. We aimed to raise £5,000 but I think we have surpassed that target.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the rest of the team and sponsors for their support. It means a hell of a lot to me.”
Jane Evans, wife of Dylan Evans, a director of Islawrffordd Caravan Park, will be one of the cyclists joining Martin. “We have known Martin and his family for a long time and we were keen to support him when we heard that he was organising the bike ride for charity,” she said. “I have cycled up to 80 miles in practice and am looking forward to the ride.”
The cyclists will be stopping off en route to the Welsh coast at caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, who are sponsoring the ride. The riders include Paul Hupperdine from Talybont, Chris Mcleod from Stoke on Trent, Barry Fisher, Tony Walters and Graham Varney from the Midlands.
Jane’s sister, Rachael Garner from Stoke on Trent, will be helping Steve Jones in a support vehicle and Paula Tunnadine, a Barmouth fitness instructor, will be joining the riders in Dinas Mawddwy.
The riders will set off from the All Electric Garages and AEG Motorhomes, Stourbridge at around 6am on Friday morning. Anyone wishing to make a donation for the bike ride can do so by visiting the group’s fundraising page here.
