North to south Wales cycle raises £3,000 for chemotherapy unit

Pictured above (left to right): Dr Rhian Fuge, Dawn Bowen, Neil O’Brien, Marie Williams, David Hunter, Olivia Evans and Charlotte Evans.

The Wayne Evans North 2 South Wales Cycle has raised £3,000 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

Team N2S is a group of triathlon friends and former colleagues of Wayne Evans, who has sadly passed away. They are of all ages and abilities and all are from Llanelli, although two people from Country Durham also travelled down to join the challenge.

The team took on the cycle on 24th and 25th August 2024. They cycled from Bangor in north Wales to Llanelli in south Wales over the two days.

Sara O’Brien, Member of Team N2S, said: “In August 2022, Wayne Evans was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. He was due to complete Ironman Wales in the September but sadly could not.

“Despite an incredibly challenging time, Wayne was determined to continue pursuing his passion for triathlons and went on to complete the Swansea and Llanelli Triathlons as part of a team where he ran and walked the 5k and raised money in doing so.

“As friends and colleagues of Wayne who were inspired by his strength and determination, we challenged ourselves by cycling from north to south Wales in August 2023, raising over £3,000 for the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital.

“Following last year's successful ride, we decided to take on the challenge again to raise money for local charities that support our community, in memory of our dear friend, Wayne.

“The money raised this year went to the Chemotherapy Day Unit at Prince Philip Hospital, Myrtle House Trussell Trust Food Bank and Macmillan Cancer Support, who have all touched so many lives in Llanelli and surrounding areas.

“The cycle was gruelling at times. Difficult weather conditions and challenging elevation, but we worked as a team to pull each other through. It was an amazing feeling crossing the finish line in Llanelli where there was a rainbow waiting for us.

“Thank you to all who have donated. To our amazing support vehicle drivers, Steve, Phil and Vaughan who kept us safe, fuelled and motivated all the way from Bangor. To Dave and Edward for transporting all bikes up safely. Edward even took a day of annual leave to help us with this, doing the 300-mile round trip all in one afternoon. To Emma Bird for her wonderful yoga and massage services. To Charlotte, Olivia and Ben, Wayne’s family. To all family and friends who came to support on route and at the finish. And to our wonderful sponsors, Burns Pet Nutrition, Picton Sports Ltd., Innovative Resource Solutions, Nolan Upvc, Bassetts Nissan Swansea, Coastal Electrical, Bryn Breakfast, MD Home Maintenance, L&I Motors, Celtic Therapy & Rehab Services, JTS Test Chambers and DAYS Rental.”

Dr Rhian Fuge, Consultant Haematologist, said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of the participants who took part in this epic cycle ride from north to south Wales in August of this year. We are so grateful for the funds raised for the Chemotherapy Unit which go towards essential pieces of equipment in daily use by our patients to improve their experience during chemotherapy treatment.

“All forms of exercise are so beneficial in helping the recovery and wellbeing of those undergoing treatment or living with cancer and I very much hope the north to south Wales Cycle, in memory of Wayne, will become an annual event. I may even join them next year!”

Diane Henry-Thomas, Fundraising Support Officer, said; “Thank you to all members of Team N2S for taking on this challenge again for such a worthy cause.

“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.”