The Old Farts have arrived at their final stop before cycling into Torquay.
More than 40 riders are gathering at the Hare and Hounds, Kingskerswell ready for the final three miles to the finish.
They have cycled more than 170 miles over two days – and the end is in sight.
Paul Ring, one of the OF founder members, talked about their inspiration during a tough, hilly ride from Cardiff through Taunton and into Torbay.
The group have raised thousands of pounds for charity and Paul talked about Daisy Wyatt, a young lady who passed away at the age of 14.
Daisy battled cancer for two years and won the hearts of OF riders. Many headed into Torquay wearing wrist bands in honour of the teenager. Paul also had one on each of his handlebars.
“We took inspiration from our memories of Daisy,” said Paul. “She was with us, driving us on throughout the journey.
“Daisy truly gave our group a huge boost, especially when things got tough up those sharp and long hills and the old bodies creaked.”
The group was formed in 2016 to set challenges and raise money for good causes, particularly local charities.
They raised more than £25,000 cycling from Cardiff to Tenby (115 miles) a year ago – and now they have completed a longer and tougher challenge.
Three ladies, Kate Darcy, Liz Burge and Jess Morrick, are in the group who completed two exhausting days in the saddle, setting off from Roath Park Lake at 6.30am on Friday morning and reaching the outskirts or Torquay mid-afternoon on Saturday.
St Joseph’s, St Albans and St Peters rugby clubs are all represented on the challenge.
Now they are waiting for the last few riders on their way from Cullompton to Torquay – and the group will ride into Torquay together later today – and a big welcome is awaiting the Old Farts.
A big thank you goes to Don Skene Cycles, Damian Harris and Cyclopedia for helping to ensure everybody’s bikes are safe.
Skene Cycles have donated 32 gels for the riders, while Overhang have given 44 drinks to the cause.
Tredz Cycles are also supporting the ride, while the Farts offer big thanks to Mark Bolwell and Jane Davies from Rumney Physiotherapy clinic for their help over the last few months .
Those who have been or will be helped:
Daisy Wyatt
A young lady who battled cancer from July 2015. Sadly, 14-year-old Daisy passed away. Many of the riders are wearing wrist bands, depicting the flower, in honour of the teenager.
The Old Farts send their deepest condolences to Daisy’s mum, Sarah, and all of her family, who loved her so much and who were with her when she passed.
Daisy truly gave our group a huge boost, especially when things got tough up those sharp and long hills and the old bodies creaked. Daisy will give the riders even more strength on their journey to help your fellow sufferers and your lovely family.
Rest in Peace Daisy.
All of your ‘Old Farts’ xx
Harri Gillen
Harri is the lovely six-year-old son of Liz and Lee. In November 2014 his parents discovered a lump on his left forearm and instinctively knew that something was wrong.
Following investigations Harri was diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma tumour, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that only affects a small number of children in the UK each year. Harri has already endured gruelling treatment to fight this cancer including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
Harri started treatment in December 2014, and initially seemed to respond well to it. Sadly in July 2016 the family received the devastating news that the tumour had returned following a year in remission resulting in more chemotherapy, radiotherapy and further surgery to remove the second tumour.
Dad Lee works reduced hours to support his family.
Any monies raised would significantly help to ensure that both parents were available to take Harri to his appointments, be with him during long hospital stays and care for him at home whilst also meeting all of Ellie’s needs.
The family would also like to put the money towards making a few of Harri’s wishes come true.
As well as the many initial side effects that could potentially effect Harri during treatment there are also many long-term effects to Harri’s health and well-being. Any remaining funds will be placed in a fund for Harri to help him overcome any of these effects in the future.
Boomerang
A Cardiff-based charity helping families in need by providing everything from clothes, food and meals to respite breaks for young carers.
Matthew Sheehan
Matthew had already been diagnosed with a condition which made him unable to walk properly without aid and was said by his father to be ‘so unsteady on his feet that he would fall over if you blew on him’.
He never left his flat without his walking crutch, but he had no time to get it or the glasses he wore when he was attacked by a man living across the road who started banging and kicking his front door that morning.
He was left for dead and would have died without treatment and monitoring at the University Hospital of Wales.
Matthew was put on a ventilator and into an induced coma and an MRI scan showed traumatic brain injury. He subsequently developed seizures and some two months later, was still able to breath unaided for only 15 minutes each hour.
He still requires regular treatment and is unlikely to ever live independently again.
Mackenzie Foley
Mum Lynne loves to put ‘Mackenzie Moments’ on her Facebook page – and the teenager certainly had one of those in Tenby.
The Old Farts organised an official cycling shirt and bicycle, allowing Mackenzie to ride down the main street with the group.
It was a fantastic moment for the young man and his family, who have taken the OFs to their hearts.
Mackenzie has dyspraxia, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and celebral palsy.
He enjoys visiting Pedal Power, a unique Cardiff-based charity which aims to help everyone, regardless of ability, enjoy the benefits of getting on a bike.
The Old Farts raised money for Pedal Power and a charity which organises events and days our for children and their families.
Mackenzie has attended some of their events and mum Lynne says: “I know a lot of the guys who ride with the Old Farts and they are doing a phenomenal job.
“They may not be the fittest guys around, but they put everything into their riding and raising money for good causes. We thank them all.”