The John Hartson Celtic Cycle Ride
5th September 2012 - 8th September 2012

On September 5th 2012, 7 cyclists rode 368 miles from Swansea, Wales to Glasgow via Dublin, Ireland in just 4 days in support of and to raise money for The John Hartson Foundation and Maggie's Cancer Care Centres. 

From www.porttalbotmagnet.com:

Magnificent seven complete charity cycle challenge

SEVEN tough-as-teak volunteers from Port Talbot and Neath have completed an amazing 368-mile cycle ride from Swansea to Glasgow in support of the John Hartson Foundation.

And they didn’t take the high road to Scotland, either – the four-day Celtic Cycle Ride travelled via Dublin instead!

“It was tough – very tough,” said team member Vincent Lewis, aged 45, a steel worker from Mariners Point, Sandfields, who added that the aim was to raise £10,000 for the foundation set up to heighten awareness of testicular cancer by former Wales striker Hartson.

“We were elated, but shattered when we got to the finish at Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in Glasgow. The first day was tough – 75 miles from the Maggie’s centre at Singleton Hospital down to Fishguard and then 12 miles from Rosslare ferry port to Wexford – but the third day was the worst.

“Not only did we have to cycle 112 miles through Ireland, but for some reason we had puncture after puncture in Northern Ireland. We had eight in all, and I ended up cycling the last three miles to the ferry on a flat tyre.”

The other members of the team were Rob Laing,  Marc Tanner, Steve Powell, Gareth Power, Mike Worlock and Neil Prosser, and the support driver was Jonathan Merrill.

“We would like to to thank everybody for the fantastic support we have been given,” added Mr Lewis.

“For example, Darlow Lloyd kindly sponsored the bikes, Morrisons and Tesco allowed us to hold collection days, and we have had backing from Aberavon Green Stars, JES Port Talbot, Balfour Beatty, CM Utilities, the Blue Scar Club in Pontrhydyfen, and St Theresa’s School, among others.

“Our thanks goes to everyone who has helped out, from the largest donor to the very smallest.” 

The riders who took part are:
Rob Laing,  Marc Tanner, Vincent Lewis, Steve Powell, Gareth Power, Mike Worlock, and Neil Prosser
Support Driver:
Jonathan Merrill.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT:
* Morrisons stores and customers in Neath, Port Talbot and Llanelli for their generosity on the collection days.

  * Local legends, the fantastic Sandboys for so kindly finding a place in their busy schedule to play a successful charity night at Port Talbot Gas Club.

* The Community Union for their cheque donation.

* C. M. Utilities for their donation.

* Boosh Hairdressers Swansea for their support.

* The following schools for their kind donations, St. Theresa's Port Talbot, Manselton and Cwmbwrla.

* Peter Rosser and the committee at the Blue Scar Club in Pontrhydyfen for their efforts and support and Marcus Gumms for providing the entertainment on the enjoyable charity night held recently.

* Staff and customers of Tesco's store in Pontypridd for their kindness.

* Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions for their cheque donation.

* The Green Stars Rugby Club and Terry and Alison Cooksley for organising the recent successful racenight. 

 * J E S Port Talbot Ltd. for their cheque donation.