This summer, the Taking Flight Theatre company will be touring Wales with their inclusive Romeo and Juliet, and have teamed up with Localgiving.org to raise funds to help support their work.

Next month, audio describer and local hero extraordinaire, Alastair Sill, will be cycling all the way from Cardiff to Haverfordwest, taking to the saddle on Monday, April 18, leaving the Welsh capital bright and early. By day three, he will reach Stackpole on the Wednesday, before making his way to his final destination, Hilton Court and Gardens, near Haverfordwest, on Thursday, where, it has been promised by the lovely staff there, he will be amply fed and watered!

On Friday, April 22, the day before the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death (also his birthday, poor Bard) Al will rest his hamstrings and take the train back home to his family in Cardiff - a fitter, healthier and... well worn audio describer.

But riding isn’t all Al will be doing! Each day he will be stopping at schools and services along his route, engaging with groups and finding out what love means to the people of Wales.

Schools and other groups will be asked to come up with an Iambic Pentameter line of poetry (or two!) about love. Youngsters will be invited to take part in a short drama workshop on Romeo and Juliet and more mature groups will be treated to readings from Al’s dulcet (and very descriptive) tones.

“All this costs money and without fundraising efforts, it’s almost impossible to carry out this important outreach work and everything else that keeps making the work accessible for all,” explained Alistair, who provides a live verbal commentary of plays for blind and partially-sighted audience members.

“Now, as I really enjoy cycling, I wondered if I could find a link between Romeo and Juliet and a bike! It was a bit tricky to begin with, but then I found it!

“Instead of a winged Cupid, how about a cycling Cupid! The most famous tragic love story of them all, inspiring a sponsored bike ride!” he continued.

“It’s going to be a real challenge, but I’m excited about being able to support the theatre company in this way and contribute towards the very important work that Taking Flight do,” added Alistair.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the cause can visit the fundraising webpage at https://localgiving.org/fundraising/taking-flight-bike-ride