150 cyclists join 100-mile ride in memory of officer
A SUPER-FIT police officer who died of cancer earlier this year has been remembered by more than 150 cyclists taking on a 100mile bike ride.
The Century Cycle saw a huge number of riders, including police officers and firefighters, take on the gruelling challenge in memory of PC Mike Evans, who was known as “The Terminator”.
It took place on Sunday and saw them set off from South Wales Police headquarters in Bridgend.
They then travelled through the Rhondda, Bwlch Mountain, Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan before finishing back in Bridgend, and are expected to have raised more than £5,000 in the process.
It was all in memory of Mike, who lost his battle with terminal cancer in May, but channelled all of his energy into fighting the disease and raising money to help others. Sunday was one of a number of #TeamEvsy challenges, set up by Mike after his diagnosis, with tens of thousands of pounds having already been raised.
Ian Greenman, area manager at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s great to see so many cyclists supporting a colleague and friend Mike Evans and the Headfirst Velindre Brain Tumour appeal. It’s a fitting tribute to Mike, who was so well known in the area and did so much for others.”
Mike, 50, from Bridgend, was a 10-time Ironman who battled an aggressive brain tumour for 15 months. He also worked with his friend Ryan, from Penybont Funeral Services to plan his own funeral, which took place in June, when 300 people turned out.
This was the second annual Century Cycle, after Mike established the event himself a year ago, and the group were relieved they picked Sunday and not Saturday, avoiding the wind and rain from Storm Brian.
In a joint statement, his family said: “So long as Evsy’s memory lives in our hearts, we’ll say that life is good.
“We were never less prepared to lose him, but, the gratitude we feel for having loved him changes the pangs of memory into joy and privilege that we were part of his life – and now his legacy.
“The family would like to send their thanks to our partners South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police, Aim2Tri, Bridgend Ford, Ride Bike Wales, Onit Cycles and all our volunteers and supporters.”