A former pupil of Bedwas High School has raised £2,000 for Velindre Cancer Centre by completing a 300-mile bike ride between London and Paris.
Connor Webb, 18, has been fundraising for the charity for the past seven years and has raised a total of £9,000.
The teenager, who hails from Hengoed, completed the four-day challenge on May 20 – the date of his 18th birthday.
He first started fundraising aged 11, following the news his primary school teacher had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
During his time at Bedwas High School he began cycling and when his English teacher was also diagnosed with breast cancer, he knew his next challenge was going to be on a bike.
Connor said: “I liked the look of the challenge when I first saw it advertised. I have only been cycling for a year, but I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my 18th birthday.”
Velindre is a specialist cancer treatment centre that provides services to 1.5 million people across South East Wales. More than 5,000 new referrals and around 50,000 outpatients are treated at the centre each year.
Kylie McKee, Deputy Head of Fundraising at Velindre, praised the accomplishment and Connor’s continued support.
She said: “A lot of young lads would celebrate turning 18 with a night out with friends or a holiday to Magaluf, so for Connor to mark this special milestone by undertaking such a big challenge demonstrates just how devoted to the cause he is.”
Connor has now returned to work at McDonald’s and Sport Caerphilly – the council’s sports development department, but has no plans to stop fundraising any time soon.
He added: “I’d like to say it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I know I will do it again. The experience was the best thing I have ever done, and the memories and friends will last a lifetime.”
Well done to this young man. It is a big achievement to undertake a 300 mile cycle ride when you have only been cycling for a short period of time. You are a true inspiration to people, while raising money to help others at the same time. Total respect.