A team of fifteen cycled from Machynlleth, Powys to Llanrwst, Conwy for the National Eisteddfod in aid of Prostate Cymru, the leading prostate health charity in Wales on Thursday 8th August. The team were supported for their 53 mile bike ride by mechanical support and first aiders as they tackled the mostly uphill challenge in the sunshine.
The fundraising and physical challenge was the idea of Colin Harding who was inspired by Geraint Thomas’ success at the Tour De France last year and took up the call of the Eisteddfod organisers who shared on Radio Cymru that people should cycle to the festival. The Bols Yn Beicio team included Colin Harding, Colin Jones, Gareth Evans, Martin Harding, Dafydd Post, Endaf Meddins, Iestyn Meddins, Richard Roberts, Geraint Bebb, Dafydd Maesllwyni, Owain Fychan, Bedwyr Fychan, Mic Crowley, Aled Griffiths and Carl Slate.
The Prostate Cymru stand on the Maes at the Eisteddfod was abuzz with excitement on Thursday afternoon with family and friends gathering to welcome the cyclists. Around 4pm the cyclists arrived in the small market town of Llanrwst cycling under the Eisteddfod bridge and into the entrance. A short time after, the cyclists made their way to their finish line: the Prostate Cymru stand. The cyclists were treated to a warm welcome with a round of applause and cheering.
At the stand, the cyclists presented a cheque to the charity’s Corporate Events & Marketing Executive Owen Pugsley and mascot Wesley the Walnut for an outstanding £9500. The team had also collected over £300 during the day as the challenge was being completed and with donations flying in after Thursday, the group look to have raised over £10,000 for Prostate Cymru.