Dad takes on big cycle challenge in son’s memory
A BEREAVED Bridgend dad will be tackling Ty Hafan’s Taff Trail Cycle Challenge to support the charity that helped him and his family when his baby son died.
When Lee Morgan and his partner Lucy Froley took their eight-weekold son Ezra to the doctor with a chest infection, they never thought just two weeks later they would be saying their final goodbyes to their precious son.
In February last year, Ezra was taken to the University Hospital of Wales where he was put on a lifesupport machine.
He was diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a rare genetic muscular condition, and was referred to Ty Hafan shortly after.
Lucy said: “Ezra survived 24 hours after being taken off the ventilator.
“In those 24 hours, Ty Hafan made so many memories happen for us – hand and foot prints of Ezra and his two-year-old big sister and finger prints on little butterflies.
“Before Ezra passed away on March 6, we had the most fabulous and magical family day anyone in our circumstances could dream of. All thanks to Ty Hafan.”
Lee is now taking on Ty Hafan’s Taff Trail Cycle challenge on Sunday, September 4, as a way to show his appreciation for the charity that continues to support his family.
He said: “I decided to sign up for the Taff Trail Challenge to give something back to Ty Hafan and to help other families who need their support.
“I didn’t know about the charity until we had Ezra. It’s not something you expect to happen, but I’m so glad we had Ty Hafan’s support.”
Named the ‘Ez Racers’, Lee will be completing the 79km challenge along the picturesque route from Brecon to Cardiff with three of his friends.
“I know I need to get fit and up my game but I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” said Lee.
As well as the cycle event, Lee took on Ty Hafan’s GE Aviation Wales Welsh Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday with other dads supported by the charity.
Lee said: “It has been great to get to know some of the other dads. We always have a laugh and it’s good to spend time with people going through something similar.”
So far, 39 teams have already signed up for Ty Hafan’s Taff Trail Cycle Challenge, sponsored by EE.
Cyclists wanting to take part can choose from Ty Hafan’s regular 79K route, the 41K Half Taff route, or those more daring can take on the charity’s new Tough Taff – a 157K route from Cardiff to Brecon and back over two days.
To sign up or to find out about volunteering opportunities, visit www. tyhafan.org