A young man from Wrexham is taking on an epic 870 mile bike ride around Wales’ coast.

Ben Gilbert, 26, from Minera near Wrexham began his challenge on April 12^th and chose us as his adopted charity as we have been “second to none” in caring for family members and friends.

Ben explained: “Hope House have helped my partner’s family immensely, specifically Eira, my partner’s cousin, who has Hirschsprung’s disease.

“The hospices have been so supportive for Eira and her family in dealing with this over the last five plus years, as well as Jane, a family friend whose son Evan died aged 12.

“Hope House have been second to none supportive of Jane and her family during the whole process and are still super supportive to this day.”

Eira who has received support from our hospices

60 Miles Per Day

Ben had originally wanted to walk the 870 mile route over 40 days but due to work commitments decided to cut the time down by cycling it.

“I have given myself 23 days to complete the challenge but hope to do it in 18.

“I’ll be doing 60+ miles per day consecutively.

“It is physically and mentally challenging, having to wake up each day knowing I’ve got to cycle 60 miles, sleep and crack on and do it all again, but I’m excited for the challenge,” he said.

The ride takes Ben from Chepstow to Cardiff, onto Swansea and through to Tenby, around the Pembrokeshire coast, up towards Aberystwyth, out towards the Llyn peninsula, then onto Bangor, crossing over to Anglesey and around the coast, ending back up in Bangor, then the home straight through Llandudno, Rhyl and Prestatyn, finishing in Chester.

Ben has been a keen rugby player most of his life and runs to keep his stamina several days a week.

Along the way he is being met by family members at certain points who will charge his battery packs for the all-important technology and restock him on vital food and water.

Evan, whose family were supported by Hope House after his death aged 12

Fundraising

Ben’s fundraising is well underway and he said of his aims: “I’ve set a target for £870, as that’s how many miles I’ll be cycling throughout the journey. I’ve so far raised over £600 which is phenomenal.

“I’ve also got a physical form and taking cash donations, I’ll then be collecting the cash and donating online with those funds and mention each person who has donated.

“I’m planning on taking a bucket with me for cash donations for anyone I meet on the coast if they wish to donate. I’ll only be accepting notes as they weigh less and it’s all about weight when cycling.”

The incredible views along the way

Area fundraiser for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith, Bethan Young, who is supporting Ben, said: “What a incredible thing to do in support of Eira and in memory of Evan.

“I know all the families will be so proud of Ben taking on this massive challenge, much as we all are. We are right behind him.

“Every penny Ben raises will help us to continue to assist families living with a seriously ill child to live their best lives by offering the best possible care, respite, support and counselling.

“Thank you so much Ben, and good luck.”

Sponsor Ben