North Wales couple cycle 1,000 miles for Cancer Research Wales
An intrepid North Wales couple recently braved up to 40 degree temperatures to cycle 1,000 miles across France to raise money for Cancer Research Wales
You can support Eleri and Eifion’s incredible fundraiser here:
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Eleri and Eifion Owen are from Abererch near Pwllheli and they took on the challenge in memory of Eleri’s father and Eifion’s mother who they lost to cancer.
The epic journey saw the pair riding their heavily-laden bikes from Saint-Malo in Brittany all the way to Nice on the Côte d’Azur in just under three weeks.
After setting off on 6 July, they reached their destination in the South of France on 26 July during which time Eleri and Eifion faced a few challenges on the way.
“We appreciated that our adventure was taking us across the whole of France, unsupported on our bikes and we had to contend with fierce summer temperatures, heavy bike panniers and steep climbs” remembers Eleri, who had a hip replacement operation just nine months ago.
“But there were lots of highlights including the Gorge du Verdon, completing the climb, swimming in the river Lot when it was 40 degrees, the fields of sunflowers, maize, lavender and quite a few memorable meals ranging from yogurt and supermarket pasta pots to fabulous plat du jours and oysters at Cancale”, added Eleri.
The journey saw the couple cycling through the historic Loire Valley and the picturesque Dordogne and climbing in total 55,000 feet in altitude including the relentless slopes of the Massif Central and the Alps Maritime.
“This was an adventure and a half -” said Eleri, “Not completing wasn’t an option we’re both quite determined! We had to achieve our fundraising mission! This year marked five years since losing dad – Emlyn, and 14 years since Eifion’s mum - Freda passed away from cancer.”
Lisa Buckley, Head of Income Generation at Cancer Research Wales said:
“Eleri and Eifion are an inspiration and I cannot thank them enough for their incredible efforts to fundraise for Cancer Research Wales. They truly have gone the extra mile – 1,000 to be precise in unusually hot continental weather and up steep mountain gorges, and they should be very proud of their achievement”.