A husband and wife team have set off on an 85-mile bike ride from Pontllanfraith to Brean Sands in Somerset in memory of a 15-year-old boy who died suddenly.
Donna and Allan Elliot, who work for Caerphilly County Borough Council’s private housing sector team were due to set off today from the council offices in Pontllanfraith.
Non-cyclist Donna decided to undertake the challenge to raise cash for charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young – in memory of Oakdale teenager Jack Thomas, who died suddenly earlier this year.
Jack, 15, died during the Wales v Scotland game on February 12 this year – with no apparent cause.
an inquest has heard.
Gwent coroner’s court was told this week that Jack, who had represented Wales at taekwondo, was not injured and that his heart and arteries were normal.
Coroner David Bowen ruled the teenager had died of natural causes but said the specific cause could not be identified.
Donna, who works alongside Jack’s mother June at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I’m really nervous but excited also, I’ll just keep focussing on why I’m doing the challenge, and I want to make everyone who sponsors me proud.”
The couple will complete the ride on August 3, weather permitting, cycling the whole 85 miles in one day. In training, the most Donna has achieved so far is 50 miles so this will be a strenuous task for her to complete.
To sponsor Donna or for more information, please email elliod@caerphilly.gov.uk
This is brilliant, well done!
Please go to the CRY website and sign their petition for screening.