MORE than 30 riders are coming together to complete a route in memory of an Anglesey man who died while cycling.

Alex Jones, a digital marketing executive from Valley, died of a cardiac arrest aged 30 while out on his bike in Denbighshire on Saturday, March 30 2019 .

To mark 12 months since his death, 35 of his cycling friends will pay tribute to Alex by raising £5,000 for the Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) charity on the ride. Alongside Alex’s parents Audrey and Gareth Jones, the group are also holding a garage sale of Alex’s bike parts and equipment, with the aim of providing 100 free screenings to detect undiagnosed heart problems for those aged 12 to 35.

Mrs Jones said: “Alex was out cycling on a sunny afternoon in the Denbighshire hills that he loved when he suffered a cardiac arrest and died. He was just 20 minutes into his ride. Having experienced the devastation of losing our son in this way we want to do what we can to raise awareness and support CRY’s work to cut sudden young cardiac deaths. We have set up a CRY Memorial Fund for Alex and all proceeds from the day will go to the fund.”

An avid cyclist, Alex has been described as having a “natural zest for life”.

North Wales Chronicle:

Alex with his father Gareth Jones

Mrs Jones added: “Alex was always reaching for more and eager to get to the next level. Although his life was short it was a rich, full life. It has been said by several people that he lived more in his 30 years than many do in a lifetime.”

An avid sportsman, Alex played football for Trearddur Bay under 7s followed by Valley Village, Bodedern, and Anglesey County Team. He enjoyed golf and painting.

Alex also had a passion for go kart racing, joining the Glan-y-Gors (GYG) club and going on to race at Super 1 Level in 2007, before moving on to Formula Ford in 2008. He earned numerous wins and trophies, as well as testing in Formula 3 across circuits in Italy and in Indy Lights, where he raced at Long Beach, California.

He then transitioned from four wheels to two, racing for various teams including 4 Star Racing, Audlem, and VCUK as well as regularly competing at Marsh Tracks in Rhyl, wher his parents had relocated in 2016. On Saturday, August 17 the E/1/2/3 Alex Jones Memorial Crit Race took place at the circuit.

Mrs Jones added: “He enjoyed the camaraderie and the interaction he found in cycling. We are so grateful to Alex’s friends and colleague for support people have shown us, it has helped us so much to keep going.”

On Saturday, March 28 the Alex Jones Memorial Charity Ride will start at the roundabout on South Drive, Rhyl, before heading through Rhuddlan to St Asaph and along the A525 past the crematorium. The cyclists will then follow the B5381 to Betws-yn-Rhos, up Dolwen Hill and on to Black Cat roundabout through Mochdre, onto the Promenade and back.

A crowdfunding campaign has raised £1,400 towards the group's goal. To donate, click here.