He’s off again: Caerphilly firefighter preparing to cycle to Spain in the name of charity

A firefighter from Caerphilly will push his body to the limit in May, as he attempts to cycle unassisted from Cardiff to Santander, in northern Spain.

Andrew Parry, 44, is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for cancer charity Velindre, a cause close to his heart after losing his grandmother to the disease.

Last year, Mr Parry cycled 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats for Wales Air Ambulance, but will look to go one better this time round, with the 1,500 mile ride looming in the horizon.

Mr Parry plans to set off from Cardiff Airport – where he currently works – on Thursday, May 26.

He’ll then set off on a 19 day journey which sees him pedal to Portsmouth, then through France, bypassing Caerns, Le Mans and Toulouse, before on to Barcelona via an overnight stop-off in Andorra, and one final push to Santander.

“To be honest, I picked Santander as the finish point because there’s a ferry service back to Portsmouth from there, and I’ve had to plan this around my shifts”, he laughed.

Andrew had his ankle rebuilt four years ago, and with further surgery scheduled for July, admits pain levels could be a decisive factor once he sets off.

He said: “I’ve only got a 19 day window to finish the trip and catch the ferry home, so I’ll be pushing hard.

“The ankle is a daily source of pain, and it’s certainly going to prove a physical challenge, but I’m determined to see the ride through.”

Mr Parry hopes to raise £7,000 for Velindre, having seen a work colleague’s mother recently enter remission after the care she received at the charity.

As if cycling 2,400km across the continent wasn’t tough enough, Andrew will continue raise money after the ride by static-cycling in local supermarkets.

Anyone who would like to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/Cardiff2Barcelona2Santander.