Nerys completes massive cycling challenge
A WEST Wales woman has completed a huge cycling challenge from the French Alps to Carmarthenshire. Nerys Howells, originally from Trelech, Carmarthenshire, has lived in the small town of Tignes in France for the past nine years – it is one if the largest and highest skiing resorts in the French Alps.
She decided to take on the gruelling cycle ride of 1,560km (almost 1,000 miles) from Tignes to Trelech.
Although Nerys has made the journey many times to visit family and friends, it has never been by bike.
The cycle ride ended at her family’s farm in Trelech on Saturday, September 18.
It was called Tignes i’r Ty (Tignes to the house).
As part of the challenge, Nerys was fundraising for the charity
Calon Hearts, the leading heart charity in Wales for placing defibrillators in communities and delivering training.
Around 9,000 people die from cardiovascular disease annually in Wales, an average of 25 a day.
The charity aims to reduce the number of unexpected deaths by improving the availability of defibrillators and by holding screening sessions.
They also provide free CPR education and defibrillator training to the public.
Nerys said: “As someone who lost my father at the age of 57 to an unexpected heart attack, I’m encouraging people to get tested.
“We were fortunate to have a defibrillator nearby, which is an essential equipment to provide time and a vital chance while the sufferer waits for an ambulance.
“Unfortunately for us, all efforts were made in vain.”
Nerys hopes to raise enough money to hold a screening day locally, to detect abnormalities and avoid future complications and suffering for others.
Starting at an altitude of 6,889ft, the first section of the ride was mostly downhill to the picturesque Lake Annecy, before travelling through the French countryside to Paris.
Nerys continued north towards Calais to cross the channel to Dover.
It was then on to London, across south west England, crossing the Severn
Bridge on to Welsh soil, with only 250km to go before arriving in Trelech.
Nerys said: “The journey went pretty smoothly, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed cycling through France, taking in all the amazing sights and beautiful landscape.
“The most challenging day without a doubt was travelling through Paris where I was met by several closed roads and bridges.
“Nine hours of cycling and several detours later I managed to reach the hotel. With Welsh soil in sight, what got me through the last few days was the amazing support I’ve received. I’ve been floored by people’s kindness and generosity.
“It was such a thrill to see all the local support along the final 10 miles, before finally reaching home where friends and family were waiting.
“To say a few tears were shed would be an understatement. I can’t thank people enough for their kind words, support and contributions over the last two weeks.
“We’ve now surpassed the target, raising over £10,000 and counting for this amazing charity.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to what has been an unforgettable challenge and experience.”
Anyone still wishing to support Nerys’s fundraising can visit the Justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/tignesirty