A man whose mother was diagnosed with dementia has been training hard to take on the Velothon, as he aims to raise money for the Caerphilly care home where she is looked after.
Terry Burston, from Ynysddu, will tackle the 110km cycle race on Sunday July 9 to raise awareness of dementia and help fund extra activities for the residents of Ty Penrhos care home, in Castle Gate, Caerphilly.
His mother, Rosemarie, was diagnosed with the condition last year and Terry will be joined on the closed-road race by his son Daniel, brother Brian, brother-in-law Gordon, and friend Clinton.
The 54-year-old said: “Since my mum was diagnosed with dementia I have really struggled with knowing what to do to help her and I really want to do this. Anything that can make her quality of life and anyone living with dementia better is really important.
“I have come to realise this since coming to visit my mum. How it affects people in so many different ways. I want to give something back to help my mum and I would like to help the other residents with dementia on her unit.”
T? Penrhos is managed by Hafod Care, which currently cares for more than 60 residents with dementia at the home.
Geraint Morgan, T? Penrhos Home Manager, added: “We were really touched when Terry approached us to ask if he could raise money for T? Penrhos.
“Our residents enjoy a full and varied activities programme at the home and Terry’s generous donation will enable us to do even more.
“We plan to buy to some new garden furniture and arrange extra day trips over the summer. Good luck from us all.”
Terry is aiming to raise £1,000 for the care home by taking on the cycling challenge, and can be sponsored on his GoFundMe page at goo.gl/pt2Ykc.
• Thousands of keen cyclists will be donning their lycra and helmets for the Velothon Wales cycle race taking place on Sunday July 9, and residents are being warned of potential disruption as a result of imposed road closures and changes to bus timetables.
Entering the borough at Hafodyrynys, the race route follows the A472 before proceeding up the Newbridge bypass, through Maesycwmmer, and along the A469 Llanbradach bypass to the Cedar Tree roundabout.
The riders will then head along the A468 to Bedwas Bridge roundabout, into Caerphilly Town Centre along Bedwas Road, and then up through the town and over Caerphilly Mountain to Cardiff.
The affected roads will be closed between 8.30am and 5pm on the day.
There are also significant changes to bus services, including the 26, 50, 56, 151, C16, X15, A, B, and C routes.