Join Assembly staffer on final leg of £12,000 fundraising European bike ride
06 August 2012
Cyclists are being invited to join National Assembly for Wales staffer, John Chick, on the final leg of his European bikeathon along the Taff trail from Tongwynlais to Cardiff Bay, on 9 August.
John, from Rhydri, near Caerphilly, set off from the Senedd on 20 April on a 10,000 kilometer solo-journey that took him through France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey.
His achievement is all the more impressive as he’s the first person to attempt this route going over the Swiss and French Alps.
The Assembly’s Head of Members’ Business Support took an unpaid career break in order to complete the charity bike ride.
It has raised more than £12,000 for Ty Hafan, which cares for children with life-threatening illness, and Velindre Cancer Centre which provides support and care for cancer patients and their families in Wales.
“'I am delighted to complete the 10,000k challenge raising funds for two great Welsh charities, Ty Hafan and Velindre,” John said.
“Thanks to the generosity and ceaseless support of my fantastic work colleagues, friends, neighbours and sponsors, we have raised over £12,000.
“I am immensely grateful to all the people who have supported me, both in the UK and the many kind people that helped me en route.
“Thanks in particular to my understanding wife, who has now banned me from ever going near a bike again.Donations - every penny of which goes directly to charity - may be made via our website at www.10000kchallenge.org.uk.”
Cyclists can join John on the final leg of his journey on 9 August at 11am at the Lewis Arms, Tongwynlais.
He will then cycle along the Taff Trail until he reaches the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, where he started his epic journey five months ago.
Interested parties can get more information by emailing the10000kchallenge@hotmail.co.uk.
He will arrive at the end of his journey, at the Senedd, at 12 noon on 9 August, where he will be greeted by Assembly staff and Enzo Calzaghe, father and trainer of former world boxing champion Joe.
“This is a fantastic achievement by John,” said Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler AM.
“To cycle solo for 10,000km takes a lot of dedication and commitment, and it is fantastic to see someone put in so much effort to raise money for good causes.
“I would like to pay tribute to his efforts on behalf of all Assembly Members and Assembly Commission staff, he has made us all very proud.”
Head of Fundraising at Velindre Cancer Centre Andrew Morris said “ For John to complete this epic 10,000 km journey is absolutely incredible, it is a remarkable achievement. His sacrifice and commitment has obviously touched many people, and they have shown their support by helping him exceed his fundraising target. Everyone at Velindre is very proud and very grateful for his amazing efforts.”