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Derrick’s Lon Las Cymru – 250 mile cycle ride  23 June to 27 June 2010 (date to be revised to 16 Jun to 20 Jun!)

Update Sat 3 July 2010:

Well, the target of £250 has been achieved and passed, thanks to the generosity of friends and family and colleagues at work.  A raffle and donations received from staff and visitors to the Assembly Government office, Bedwas have helped to push the total above the initial target.  

I`m very grateful to you all for every pound that has been donated to Diabetes UK. 

As promised I`ve now added some photos taken on the ride from Holyhead, through Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Rhayader, Brecon and eventually Cardiff. 

What was it like riding 256 miles, with two full panniers?  Tough! Exhilirating! Challenging.  But most of all rewarding to know that we helped to raise awareness and much needed funds for two excellent charities - Diabetes UK and Cancer Research UK!  As with most things it was only possible with the encouragement and support of friends and family.  In particular, Gary who was an ideal partner to share the journey with. 

The change of date meant that the ride coincided with National Diabetes Week (13 -19 June).  As a result some of you will already know that I was interviewed on Radio Cardiff; and the story about our ride was reported in the Guardian Cardiff edition (16 June the article can be viewed at:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/cardiff )  and South Wales Echo (Friday 25 June).  Plus a number of people said they saw Melanie (daughter) on tv when she was interviewed on BBC Wales Today News,  on 18 June. 

Once again, a very big Diolch yn fawr to family, friends and colleagues both at work and Llandaff Cathedral who have sent  support by texts, emails, and donations.  It has been both humbling and  to encouraging to receive your best wishes and messages of support.

A special big thanks also to Jane, Gary's wife who drove to Brecon and left a food parcel for at the Youth Hostel Association.   And also to Mel who kept everyone posted via FaceBook. It was great to see them both, along with Ellie when we eventually returned and cycled to Cardiff Bay on Sunday afternoon. 

Original message
Helo /Sut mae. Thanks for visiting my Just Giving on-line donations page. 

Gary Jones and I (Derrick) are seeking your support and a donation to Diabetes or Cancer Research . 

Diabetes and Cancer Research have helped many people by providing them with encouragement, support or advice.  And this can provide some comfort,  and offers hope or encouragement to those who need it.  It never fails to amaze me to see how courageous and positive people can be, when faced with illness or difficult times.

WHAT AND WHERE?

I will cycle the full length of , starting at Holyhead, .   The route is called Lon Las Cymru and forms part of the Sustrans national network of cycle routes.   

We also intend to do some voluntary work for the Sustran organisation so visit this site again to see  further updates and photos taken on the journey.  

WHEN?

On Wednesday 16 June 2010 we take our bikes on the train that leaves from and travel to Holyhead, on the .  We will then cycle from Holyhead to Caernarfon.  And  continue to follow the Sustrans Cycle trail around the base of Snowdonia to Dolgellau, through Llanidloes, mid to Brecon, and finally return to on Sunday 20 June.  

HOW FAR?

The total distance is approximately 250 miles!  

WHICH CHARITY WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE AND SUPPORT?

Donations made via this Just Giving link will go directly to support Diabetes . 

If you wish to make donations to Cancer Research , then visit ’s Just Giving site: Gary Jones Lon Las Cymru 250 mile cycle ride.  

Pob hywl.  Diolch.

Best wishes, and thanks for your support.  

Derrick (and Gary).

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