Old school friends Steve Peter and Gareth Owen are taking on our 70-mile charity Cycle Challenge in memory of Steve’s dad, Karl.

The pair, who have been friends since childhood, will be tackling the gruelling ride from Hope House, near Oswestry, to Lake Bala, in memory of Karl Peter, Steve’s beloved dad who died in January this year after a long illness.

“Dad passed away aged 73, from cancer,” says Steve, from Four Crosses, near Llandysilio.

Steve's is cycling in memory of his dad Karl.

“Gareth and I had been looking to take part in a challenge that we could do together as a way to get together and do something positive for our mental and physical health, while also remembering Dad. When we saw the Hope House Cycle Challenge we quickly agreed it was exactly what we were looking for – a genuine outdoor challenge to raise money for an important local charity.”

Steve says he’s not an experienced cyclist, though he enjoyed getting out on his bike during lockdown.

 “I’ve done a bit of cycling in the past but nothing like this. I’ve looked at the route and the hills are really quite substantial; however, what goes up must come down!

“We’ve got all day to do it and I think we’ll motivate each other through the difficult parts.”

“I have been training and have been covering 20-25 miles routes at pace and practising inclines.

“I’m lucky that there are some lovely rides around Four Crosses.

“Gareth cycles all around London and has taken part in previous cycle events so is already fitter than me.”

Please support Steve’s fundraising

Steve and Gareth have been friends all their lives, and Gareth’s dad was also best friends with Karl.

“Gareth and I have known each other since we were kids. My mum and dad knew his mum and dad and we lived on the same estate in Newtown and played together.

“Gareth has now moved to London where he’s a shoe designer for Marks & Spencers. I work at Plumbline, in Welshpool. We’ve gone in different directions but will always be close friends. He’s godfather to my children Luca and Grace.”

Steve (left) and Gareth (right) have shared many family occasions since their school days together.

Steve’s initial target is £500 but he’s hoping to raise as much as he can, Gareth has also raised over £500. Between them they hope to achieve over £1,000 to provide care, support and comfort to local children and families who need Hope House children’s hospice.

“I’m way out of my comfort zone. If my dad could see me he’d probably think I was mad! Though, seriously, I know he’d be proud, and I feel very proud to be challenging myself in his memory.” 

Find out how you could remember a loved one with Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith