Fit fundraisers from Newport drum up £5,000
The counting goes on but fit fundraisers have so far drummed up almost £5,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal by completing a gruelling test of endurance.
Hardy cyclists raised the money by completing a 194-mile bike ride out from Newport and then back again with just a break in the middle - to climb Mount Snowdon.
The challenge may have been epic but there was no shortage of takers for the Ultra-Nova Duathlon and organisers hope that with cash still coming in the total raised for the appeal will top £5,000.
The challenge saw a total of 27 riders - some of them armed forces personnel - in four teams set off from outside the Guildhall in Newport on June 27, waved off by Newport Deputy Mayor Councillor Tim Nelson and Junior Town Crier Lee Storey.
They travelled to Penypass Car Park at Snowdon, which is approximately 93 miles, climbed the peak and then returned to the PenYpass Café where staff opened specially for them at 4am to provide bacon butties, tea and coffee.
The teams then set off on the return journey to Newport later that Saturday - Armed Forces Day.
The riders, who came home less than 21 hours after setting off, were greeted by family, friends, Mayor of Newport Councillor Tony Forrester and junior town crier Lee .
Paul Quinn landlord of the Phez in High Street, Newport, arranged food on their return.
Mrs Ann Whitfield, Newport and District Poppy Appeal organiser, said: "This challenge coincided with the centenary of the First World War.
"It was a once in a lifetime challenge for the cyclists and helped raise awareness of all serving and ex-service personnel and their families.
"To date, these guys have raised more than £4,800 for the Poppy Appeal.
"Anyone who feels like donating to the cause can do so at the Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/ian-kevan-BEM. "The closing date for donations will be July 28.
"Raising money is vital for the armed forces and their families.
" A huge thank you goes to all involved in the challenge and particularly to Ian Kevan for organising it.
The teams which took part were:
Team One - Dorian Tranter, Ian Roberts, Geoff Machen, Warrant Officer Brett Green, Lt Col Woo Allen, Paul Grubert, Pete Golding and Ian Kevan.
Team Two - Capt Simon Nicholson of 22 Signals Regiment, Stafford, Warrant Officer Bill Sykes, Staff Sgt Pat Mcgeever, Sgt Steve Knightingale, Cpl Andy Beddows, Robert Alderson and Glyn Grice.
Team Three - Simon Broad, Nick Allcock, Dave Allcock, Paul Jackman, Gary Wade, Lee Corbett.
Team Four - Robyn Guy, John Taylor Ian Vann, Mark Harrison, Sam Westwood and Scott Harris.
