A team of cyclists traveled from Cardiff to Edinburgh to raise money for charity.

The C2Cycling team started pedaling on Tuesday 12 April and arrived in Edinburgh late on Saturday 16 April.

The cycling marathon was organized to raise vital funds for two South Wales charities, the Velindre Cancer Center and LATCH, a Welsh children’s cancer charity.

During the trip, the team visited Ludlow, Warrington, Kendal and Lockerbie before the last 109 km stretch to Edinburgh.

Trip organizer Nick Robbins says: “It was an absolutely incredible experience. Over the past five days we have had almost any conditions, almost any weather, but I was very impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of the team who continued to work.

“It was tough and we ran into everything from sheep on the road to countless punctures. But knowing we had surpassed our £50,000 fundraising goal just before we hit the road gave everyone a huge boost and much needed support before we left Cardiff Castle.

“And the fantastic news is that we have continued to increase this amount over the past few days and we look forward to handing over the money to Velindre and LATCH once we get back to Wales.”

On Tuesday, ten-year-old Hywel Evans, whose father, Matt, led the first group out of Cardiff Castle, sounded the starter horn.

In June 2020, Hywel’s younger brother, seven-year-old Rhys, was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a rare blood disorder that prevents the body from producing enough new blood cells. Just four weeks after he was diagnosed, Rhys passed away, but LATCH, a children’s cancer charity, stood by the family throughout the harrowing ordeal.

Matt says: “LATCH was by our side during the most traumatic period of our family life and they continue to support us even today. It’s one thing to see it happen to others, but it’s only when it touches you directly that you realize what an incredible job these people are doing.

“The last five days have been great. When Hywel sounded the siren and we set off, it was, no doubt, incredibly touching. It was a tough trip but the support we received from family and friends as we went to Cardiff and the people who cheered us along the way really helped us all get through this big challenge.”

C2Cycling is a group of 28 passionate cyclists and cheerleaders from across South Wales who have met every two years since 2015 to take the grueling long-distance journey from Cardiff to Paris for charity. Due to Covid restrictions, the 2021 trip was organized this year and is scheduled for the UK.

For more information about the ride you can visit www.c2cycling.co.uk or log in to make a direct donation.