Army of cyclists rise to challenge for brave Bethan's cancer cause

The challenge has been organised by the parents and friends of schoolgirl Bethan Evans from Llangadfan, near Welshpool, whose brave cancer fight has touched the hearts of people around the globe.

Between 3pm tomorrow (Sat) and 3pm on Sunday, they hope the army of cyclists will combine to pedal 10,000 kms - half way around the world - by doing circuits of the reservoir, one of the most iconic beauty spots in Wales.

If 250 cyclists turn up, they will each need to do four circuits to reach the target. The marathon will end with a hog roast for those who took part.

With sponsorship, the organisers hope Bethan's Big Bike Ride will raise a large amount of money for the Bone Cancer Research Trust, which is carrying out research into Ewings Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer which seven-year-old Bethan had in her left arm.

Last year, the first Bethan's Big Bike Ride exceeded all expectations by raising £15,000 for Kids Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Campaign when 25 cyclists cycled from Holyhead to Cardiff.

The same cyclists, including Bethan's dad, Arwel, have already signed up for the new marathon. Bethan, who will be eight in January, her mum, Lynne and her sister, Amy, 10, plan to do at least one lap of Lake Vyrnwy.

"We already have around 50 cyclists committed to the ride and members of Hafren Cycling Club, Welshpool Biking Belles and a team from the Flash Leisure Centre, Welshpool have pledged to come," said Bethan's mum, Lynne, who praised the response from supporters.

"There has been a steady stream of support on our Facebook page and it would be fantastic if 150 cyclists did take part. Hopefully, the money we raise will make a real difference to bone cancer research."

Bethan's amazing story attracted national media attention last year and touched the hearts of people across the world.

Diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in February 2012, she underwent an eight hour operation at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, where surgeons removed her left arm and shoulder before rushing it in an ambulance across the city to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to be irradiated to kill off any cancerous cells.

The arm and shoulder were then painstakingly reattached to Bethan's tiny body. Due to the treatment and operation, she has no feeling in the humerus but can still move her arm, hand and fingers.

She currently has a fractured humerus, which is clearly visible, but is in no pain. Earlier this year, to the relief of her parents, she received the all clear after her latest check up.

Next big step for Bethan comes at the age of nine when she returns to hospital to have a platinum humerus, shoulder and elbow inserted. A magnetic rod will be inserted which will allow surgeons to stretch her arm half a centimetre at a time without surgery to ensure that it keeps pace with her body growth.

"Due to the treatment, her arm bone is crumbling and that's why she needs the platinum bones inserted," explained Lynne. "The surgeon is happy to leave the major operation until she is nine because she still has full mobility and the fractures are causing Bethan no pain. She goes back for her next six month review in January.

"We have chosen to support the Bone Cancer Research Trust this year as this charity is close to our hearts because of its research work to try to eliminate this awful disease."

To take part in the cycle marathon, adults must donate £10 and children £5 and the organisers are leaving it up to them if they are sponsored or not. Bethan's family and friends are aware that the local community gave generously towards fundraising last year and are cautious about asking for support again.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the cyclists can make a donation online on the Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Lynne-Evans8/