The Welsh Coast Challenge, an extremely arduous, hilly 560 mile, relay bike ride is being undertaken by: Phill Prothero, Paul Thomas, Howard Robinson and Chris Holmes. 

Our aim?  To raise as much money as we possibly can for the Charles Renton Cancer Unit in Hereford and Spinal Research West Midlands Branch.

Our choice of charities is influenced by two things: 

Firstly, Chris’s wife Anne had cancer; luckily, she overcame it but it has motivated me, Chris, to raise funds for the building and equipping of Herefordshire’s own Cancer Unit;

Secondly, Colin Javens broke his neck 7 years ago; his sheer determination to overcome adversity has impressed us so much that we want to support his cause. Read the story of his North to South self-driven African expedition on www.colinjavens.com.  On his return he spearheaded the development of Herefordshire’s own Branch of Spinal Research with the aim of accelerating the search to cure paralysis by raising funds to support the scientists.

Chris and Phill are not new to fundraising; they have been ‘men with a mission’ for over 20 years.  Collectively, it is estimated, we have raised over £200,000 for several different causes.  Some of our  more notable challenges and achievements include:
 1.  Aberystwyth to Hereford, a 100 mile relay run,1994, raising money for Cerebal Palsy;
 2.  Hereford to Taunton, 130 mile relay run, 1995, benefiting Breast Cancer research;
 3.  Hereford to Pen-y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons, involving an 80 mile bike ride and a 3,000 foot climb in aid of Cerebal Palsy;
 4.  Three Peaks Challenge – relay cycle ride of 452 miles between Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon raising funds for Taste for Adventure and CR Cancer Unit;

There is no doubt that we have set ourselves a very serious challenge – 560 extreme miles in 60 hours – no mean feat! We have trained constantly for six months for this relay ride and feel that if Anne and Colin can achieve what they have, the least we can do is perform to the best of our physical capabilities.

We are telling you this because we have worked so hard for this (including persuading friends and family to be our backup team) and we really want to contribute to these two charities, so please, please give generously; even the smallest of donations will be of great benefit.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Spinal Research West Midlands Branch will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support!  Chris Holmes, Phill Prothero, Paul Thomas and Howard Robinson