A GROUP of Anglesey cyclists raised £13,000 after completing a lengthy charity ride in aid of three dementia and Alzheimer’s charities last month.

Gwalchmai Cycling Club rode more than 200 miles in aid of the cause, setting off from Trearddur Bay, Anglesey on the morning of Friday, September 10, before arriving at their destination, Swansea Bay, the following evening.

The organisations who have benefitted from their fundraising efforts, Hafan Dementia Day Care Centre in Bryngwran, the Dementia Friendly Centre in Holyhead, and the dementia and Alzheimer’s ward at Cefni Hospital in Llangefni, each received an even share of the money, which amounted to £4,333.

Ed Williams was one of the 17 cyclists to take on the challenge, which had been delayed since the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19, but admitted that the ride was: “Not without its problems!”

He added: “On day one, we went from Gwalchmai to Aberystwyth, setting off at 8am, but we didn’t get there until 7.15pm because of problems along the way. We were hoping to get there for 5pm!

“There were seven punctures, I think, and we had one slight accident which delayed us, and the weather wasn’t fantastic, either! To top it all off, there was a road closure, so the police turned us back on the route that we’d chosen!

“Day two was a lot better – obviously, the legs were a bit sore after such a tough day on day one. It was just good to get it done; after the difficulties of day one, it felt like even more of an achievement to reach Swansea.

“It should’ve been about 188 miles but we just exceeded 200. But it didn’t matter how long it took, as long as we got there.”

The team raised £4,765 through their online GoFundMe page, while Richard Holt, who owns and runs the Melin Llynon patisserie and confectionery business, rounded up his pledge to £1,000 after his special Siocled-branded charity chocolate bars had gathered more than £600 for the cause.

The rest of the money was raised through each riders’ own personal sponsorships, with an emotional handover of cheques carried out last week.

Ed, who also took part in the club’s 107-mile Tour de Mon ride in 2019, which raised £3,885 for Bryn Hwfa Children Services, added: “It (£13,000) far exceeded our targets and expectations. The support that we had was unbelievable, overwhelming.

“I think most people will know somebody who’s suffered with dementia or Alzheimer’s, so I think maybe people related to it.

“Sharon Jones (Hafan Day Centre) came along (to the cheque presentation), and it was nice to hear what she had planned for the money.

“I think it was quite important for us to know what it’s actually going to be used for. It was just heart-warming to hear her plans; she was in tears receiving the cheque.

“She said that the £4,333 will make a huge difference; they’ve got plans for the garden and outside space, and was going to send us pictures showing what the money’s been used for.

“It’s just brilliant to know what the results of your efforts are in the end.”