Challenge & Inspiration 

 

CYCLING TWO COUNTRIES IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER

Big trek for Wales Air Ambulance and 'Billy Bach'

The first challenge is to cycle unsupported the length of Ireland from north to south, from Malin Head to Mizen Head during  September 2010 and then to embark on my second challenge and adventure which is to cycle New Zealand south to north, from Bluff to Cape Reinga next January 2011, both in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.

In June 2009  I took on the challenge of cycling unsupported from John O'Groats to Land's End.  This was a significant personal challenge as 10 years ago I was diagnosed with a deteriorating cartilage in my left ankle and as time passed the condition worsened and became very painful preventing me from participating in any type of activity involving long walks or running.  Riding a bike was possible and gave hardly any pain, which meant there were no restriction on the amount of time and distance I could cycle.  My general fitness and well being was sustained and I had the added pleasure of just cycling through the countryside.  I was hooked, I now cycle at least a 100 miles a week, some weeks more.  My main interest is long distance or tour cycling.  The John O'Groats to Land's End cycle ride took me 10 days to complete and was well worth doing.

After completing the end to end of the United Kingdom some of my friends and family suggested that my challenges should be used to support a good or charitable cause.  After much deliberation I chose the Wales Air Ambulance. 

The motivation and the inspiration behind my forthcoming journeys  is the tragic death of my younger brother William Delwyn Williams, affectionately nicknamed 'Billy', who in 1959 was struck down by a passing motor car.  The accident occured on the Morfa, about a mile along the Harlech to Talsarnau road.  Billy was helping my grandfather  who was a Harlech postman, and whilst going to deliver a letter he ran out in front of a passing motorist and was knocked down.  Billy died in the ambulance on the way to hospital and because the traffic was so heavy the vehicle couldn't get through in time.  Last year, 2009 was the 50th anniversary of his death, if the Air Ambulance service had existed back then, it might have been able save my brother Billy's life - hense my support for this charity today.

Wales Air Ambulance is an all Wales charity that provides a vital service through emergency air cover, three helicopters on active duty 365 days a year, for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries.  The charity relies on public support to raise over £5 million per annum for the day to day running of missions.  For more information contact by e mail enquiries@walesairambulance.com

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