More than 340 riders saddled up for the annual Jiffy Cancer 50 Challenge, bring in more than £40,000 (and rising) for Swansea Bay Health Charity, in support of the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital, and the Velindre Hospital Charity. They tackled the challenging 50 mile route from Cardiff City Stadium to Swansea’s Bracelet Bay.
Led by Welsh rugby icon Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, Sunday’s ride was the fourth year this amazing event has taken place and fundraising in total has now smashed the £250,000 barrier.
With the weather gods smiling down and no rain on route, the ride proved to be biggest and best yet, with a delighted Jonathan saying: “I’d like to once again thank everybody involved; those taking part, the sponsors, those who have donated, the people working for the charities – everyone.
“We had people on the ride who are currently having cancer treatment. On the darkest of days, days like this need to be celebrated.
“The ride will be back in 2025, so let’s make this the biggest cancer ride in the UK!”
(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
For the first time, the two charities managed the event directly to ensure as much money as possible was raised.
Jiffy’s delight at another successful and inspiring event was echoed by Swansea Bay Health Charity fundraising support manager Lewis Bradley, who, along with other members of the charity’s team and a team of Swansea Bay volunteers, helped ensure the day went off without a hitch.
“Sunday’s event was by far the best we’ve ever had,” said Lewis, a keen cyclist who took part in the ride as well as acting as lead marshal.
“This was our first year managing the organisation and in view of that, everything went very well.
“There was so much enthusiasm and interaction between the riders, and there was tremendous support for both our charity and Velindre.
“There was a lot of interest in our work as a charity and the South West Wales Cancer Centre, which is fantastic.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the ride for their amazing efforts and also thank all our title sponsors, including Andrew Scott Ltd and Philtronics Ltd, as well as other local businesses. Without their tremendous support, this ride wouldn’t happen.”
At the end of the event, participants were presented with commemorative medals while there was music and entertainment put on to keep the celebratory mood going.
“As Jiffy said, the ride will be back next year, even bigger and better,” added Lewis.
“We’ll be sending out an entry link in the next few weeks so keep an eye out for that.”
(Lead image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
