Family and friends cycle from Paris to Burry Port in memory of beloved friend

Pictured above: Photo 1: Lisa, Diana, Geoff (Sonia’s husband) Huw, and Lottie with staff from Ward 9.

Photo 2: L-R Huw, Lisa and Diana.

Three cyclists from Burry Port have raised an incredible £4,360.75 for Ward 9 at Prince Philip Hospital after completing a cycling challenge from Paris to Burry Port in memory of their dear friend, Sonia Thomas.

Lisa Mitchell, Diana Davies and Huw Davies took on the journey in July, cycling hundreds of miles from Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris back to Carmarthenshire to thank staff at Ward 9, the Acute Stroke Unit, at Prince Philip Hospital, for the care and compassion shown to Sonia during her final days.

Along the way, they travelled through France, England and Wales before finishing in Burry Port, where they were welcomed by family, friends and staff from Ward 9.

Sonia was a keen cyclist who, at the age of 81, joined Diana, 72, and Lisa, Diana’s daughter, on their annual St Mary's Church sponsored cycle from Swansea to Burry Port just last year.

Lisa said: “My mother, Diana, like Sonia, has been an active cyclist for many years and has completed the Carten100 five times, as well as taking on incredible walking challenges including the Camino trail, the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu and Mount Kilimanjaro. She is a huge inspiration to everyone around her and inspired me to join her on the Carten when she turned 70.

“Since then, I've developed a love of cycling, completing the event a further two times. Last year we cycled from London to Burry Port, raising more than £2,000 for Tenovus, and this year's challenge saw my partner Huw join us, bringing his triathlon and Ironman experience to help plan and support the journey."

Speaking about the challenge, Dianasaid: "The challenge was certainly challenging! We did enjoy every moment despite the heat and even the rain one day. It was very rewarding and it was lovely to know that everyone at home was following our progress via social media.

"Thank you to everyone who supported us so generously and those who took sponsor forms and helped raise such an amazing amount of money.

"We are so grateful for the care my friend Sonia received at the Acute Stroke Unit, Ward 9, Prince Philip Hospital. She sadly passed away there after a very short stay."

Sonia Jones, Sister on Ward 9, said: “On behalf of Ward 9, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Diana, Lisa and Huw for their wonderful donation.

“Their kindness is greatly appreciated, and we can assure them that these funds will be put to good use to support and benefit patients receiving care on our ward. We would also once again like to congratulate them on their amazing challenge cycling from Paris to Burry Port, what a wonderful achievement.”

Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “What an incredible challenge. We can’t express how grateful we are for your fundraising efforts and support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”