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A father who lost his seven-year-old son due to a rare blood disorder last year will be cycling 600km from Cardiff to Edinburgh to raise money for charity.
Matt Evans’ son Rhys passed away in June 2020, just four weeks after being diagnosed with aplastic anaemia – a blood disorder that prevents the body producing enough red blood cells.
Matt will be taking part in the cycle ride as part of the C2Cycling group – which sees cyclists from across south Wales come together every two years to complete long-distance cycle rides for charity.
In previous years, the group has cycled from Cardiff to Paris.
Matt has taken part in two previous rides to Paris, and is now preparing to cycle to Edinburgh next April to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Centre and LATCH children’s cancer charity.
He said: “LATCH was there for us throughout the most traumatic period in our family life and they continue to support us even today. It is one thing to see this happen to others, but it is not until it affects you directly that you realise what an incredible job these people do.
“Riding from Cardiff to Edinburgh is going to be a tough challenge both physically and mentally. I’m sure there will be plenty of tears along the way but it will all be worth it if we can reach our target for these fantastic charities.”
Nick Robbins, who is from Caerphilly and is organising the ride, said: “We are calling upon businesses and individuals across Wales to dig deep and support the team.
“There are opportunities to sponsor an event stage, a jersey or even your favourite rider.
“Likewise, we are also asking non-cyclists who would like to support the team, but don’t fancy cycling anywhere, to download the fundraising pack from our website and organise one of the many ideas we have in there for people to take part in the fundraising.”
Former Welsh rugby international Martyn Williams is a supporter of C2Cycling. He said: “It’s incredible to see the hard hours of training and commitment the team from C2Cycling is putting into their ride preparation.
“To see them out riding every day in all weathers, after a full day at work, is awe inspiring.”
The cyclists will be setting off from Cardiff Castle on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
A fundraising pack to support the cyclists can be downloaded online at c2cycling.co.uk, while donations can be made at c2cycling.co.uk
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