After setting out on the round trip from Swansea to Holyhead on Saturday 27 July, the selfless duo arrived back a week later just as they predicted on Saturday 3 August at midday.
With many people standing outside their homes along the route back to the start and finish line at Talycopa Primary School, the 17-year-old fearless pair were met with a rousing welcome party from local residents impressed by their mammoth accomplishment.
With quite the story to tell about their epic journey of endurance and friendship their emotional 368-mile ride to raise awareness to mental health for Swansea Mind had been completed.
“It was physically and mentally challenging,” said a jubilant Elwyn at the finish.
“The hot weather pushed us to our limits and was a huge contributing factor to making our days much longer than anticipated as we had to stop more frequently to hydrate ourselves.
“We had to ration our supplies as we couldn’t carry any more weight as we were already carrying essential equipment which weighed around 12.5kg.
“We had many highs and lows,” added Finley. “On our second evening, we had to push ourselves to keep going as we were miles from our planned stopping point and were stuck in a labyrinth of mountains in Snowdonia National Park.
“It was pitch black and freezing cold and we had a 3000ft elevation over 10 miles – we couldn’t feel our fingers!
“Cars were passing us at high speeds and we were stuck at the side of the road.
“It really was frightening, but we got there in the end and made camp. When we woke up the following morning in Dolgellau, we were in a little village amongst the mountains, the sun was shining and the locals welcomed us, for a few moments – we felt like we were on holiday.
“When we arrived at Holyhead and had our photo taken with the sign, we felt like we’d achieved so much, and it was a major milestone.”
“We saw some incredible tourist attractions on our ride. The smallest pub in Wales ‘Bar Bach’, the steepest street in the world and we visited Llanfair PG train station.”
It would be the support that kept the boys going when times got tough on both social media and from family and friends at home.
“We had so much from everyone, including the wide following we gained on social media,” explained Elwyn.
“We couldn’t have done this journey without the support of our families. On the road, we only had each other to keep ourselves motivated but each time we checked in with our families, they were a big encouragement.
“My girlfriend Bobbi and her family were also huge supporters throughout our journey, and so was Fin’s girlfriend Ashleigh and her family too.
“That’s when we knew we were going to complete our journey no matter what.
“Coming home, however, the universe was playing with us. We had two punctures, luckily, we were helped by a member of ‘Bike Corris’ who also gave us a shout-out on their socials.
“Arriving home felt great, it was surreal even though I fell off my bike! After all those hundreds of miles we had done, I was gutted that I fell just five minutes from home.
“We’re proud of ourselves for everything we’ve achieved and the amount we’ve raised considering times are tough right now for people.
“It was a proper boys adventure – from Fin being chased by a Jack Russell Terrier, to me trying to take a shortcut through a river and ending up soaking. It was all about the moments and a sense of humour definitely helped us.
“We challenged ourselves and won! Our friendship is just as strong as it was if not even stronger than before.”
Elwyn’s parents Hannah & Kristian couldn’t hide their emotions at the finishing line:
“We’re incredibly proud of both boys”, said Hannah. “When they first told us their plan we weren’t fully on board and worried about how they would cope!
“Being just the two of them and setting themselves a huge challenge with no backup, limited funds, and not a lot of time to prepare made us question if it would be possible.
“When we saw just how serious they were, and the amount of parcels arriving with various pieces of equipment, we soon realised they were going to do it, no matter what.
“Of course, when we could see their determination and stubbornness, we supported them in every possible way.
“The morning, they set off from the school was very emotional, but we had no doubt that they would complete their goal.
“Hearing from them each day when they were making their plans, telling us where the next stop was going to be and just hearing their voices encouraging each other, made us emotional too but we never showed them that.
“We encouraged them both, told them we loved them, and made sure they knew how incredibly well they were doing.
“It was probably the longest week of our lives waiting for them to return home but they did it magnificently and have raised nearly £3000 and have memories that will last a lifetime!
Zoe Alford, Volunteer Coordinator, Swansea Mind commenting on the teenager’s achievements said:
“We’d like to thank the boys not only for their fantastic sporting achievement, but also for having the compassion and kindness to dedicate themselves to helping others in need of mental health support in the Swansea area.
“Mental health issues can affect anyone, and across Wales, more of us are feeling under pressure. It’s fantastic to have Elwyn and Finley sharing the message that mental health can affect us at any age, and that with Local Minds such as Swansea Mind, we can continue to be there for anyone that needs it, regardless of age.
“In an uncertain world, we want to be there when you need us. But the funding landscape means it’s more difficult than ever to meet the growing need for trusted mental health support. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of individuals like Elwyn and Finley, we can continue to provide local support groups, supported self-help, and one-to-one counselling for the people of Swansea.
“For Children and Young people, we offer a free, Supported Self-help program, which is an evidence-based mental health service for 11 to 18-year-olds.
“Trained mental health practitioners deliver a six to eight-week course in a GP or community setting [schools] to help provide tools and coping skills to managing a range of mental health topics.
“If you – or a young person you know – might benefit from Support Self-help please contact our office on 01792642999 or email admin@swanseamind.org.uk.
“We’d encourage anyone looking for mental health support to reach out to us via the contact details below. Every person’s mental health is different, but equally, you’re not alone. Together we can start the conversation about mental health support that is right for you.
Swansea Mind
66 St. Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4BE
01792 642999
admin@swanseamind.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 1184072
[Lead image: Elwyn Lee and Finley Greenall]
