100-mile ride will honour policeman
FRIENDS, colleagues and relatives of a police officer who died earlier this year after suffering from cancer are gearing up to take part in a 100-mile bike ride in his memory.
PC Mike Evans died in May this year after suffering from terminal cancer.
In November 2016, almost 200 cyclists raised £6,000 on a 100-mile bike ride in the name of the Bridgend policeman. The money from the first Century Cycle went towards Cardiff’s Velindre Cancer Centre’s brain tumour research fund.
Super-fit Pc Mike and his family had raised more than £40,000 at the time of the 2016 ride after his diagnosis earlier that year. He couldn’t take part in the ride himself last year because chemotherapy had affected his balance, but supported cyclists along the course.
The 100-mile route will start and finish at South Wales Police’s headquarters in Bridgend, and see riders travel through Rhondda, the Bwlch Mountain, Port Talbot and the Vale of Glamorgan. There will also be a 55-mile option, returning to police headquarters before other riders head to the Vale. Fire stations in Porthcawl and Llantwit Major will be used as “feed stations”, so cyclists can refuel and rest their tired legs.
Local businesses have also got behind the event, with two “Team Sky” branded vehicles from Bridgend Ford accompanying cyclists, while mechanical support will be provided by OnitSports, from Porthcawl, and Ride Bike Wales, of Llantrisant.
With the event in its second year, all funds raised this year will go towards Headfirst: The Velindre Brain Tumour Appeal. More than £55,000 has been raised for them so far since Mike’s diagnosis.
Ian Greenman, area manager at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, is one of the event’s organisers.
He said: “We were overwhelmed by the support for last year’s #TeamEvsy bike ride and we feel this year’s event will be a fitting tribute to a great man.
“We’d love to see even more people taking part this year, even if it’s just encouraging the riders from the side of the road.”
A statement from Mike’s family said: “So long as Evsy’s memory lives in our hearts, we’ll say that life is good.
“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 and all our volunteers and supporters.”
Matt Jukes, deputy chief constable at South Wales Police and one of Mike’s colleagues, said: “Mike’s legacy lives on in this ride and everything #TeamEvsy continues to do.”
Riders are able to enter prior to the event and on the day, and are being asked to donate £30 and an entry fee.
For details, visit: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/doing-the-hundred-forteamevsy-tickets-36793679887, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/teamevsy