Community retailer The Co-operative welcomed a team of cyclists to 13 of its stores, including Kilgetty and Whitland, last weekend, when they were on a mission to increase awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds for Welsh charity Glaze (Green Light Lazer Equipment).

The cyclists, who included former Welsh rugby international Ray Giles and Martin James, fitness coach of the now disbanded Welsh Youth Rugby Union, as well as surgeons and doctors, began their 72-hour whistlestop tour of the 13 stores at Kilgetty on Friday, picking up pledges and donations along the way.

They then cycled to Co-operative stores in Whitland, St. Clears, Cross Hands, Llandeilo, Llandovery Rugby Club, Brecon, Pentrebach, Taffs Well, Cardiff Rugby Club, Penarth, Barry, Pencoed, Bridgend and Pyle, before finishing at Kenfig Hill Rugby Club on Sunday. The team were be followed on their journey by a Co-operative van carrying food supplies and water.

Established in December 2003, Glaze's fundraising efforts help buy essential equipment for the treatment of prostate conditions and it is now hoping to raise more than £160,000 to create a cryo-therapy centre of excellence at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend - the first of its kind in Wales.

Founder Ray Murray said: "This will be a very significant development for Wales because, for the first time, men with tumours who might otherwise have to travel to England for treatment can be dealt with nearer home.

"Prostate cancer takes thousands of lives in Britain annually and is particularly virulent because it can spread to other vital organs of the body. Treatment in its early stages by cryo-therapy offers hope of significant improvement in terms of life expectancy."

Operations manager for The Co-operative, Gary Chappell added: "This cycle will help Glaze raise funds for essential equipment and our staff are looking forward to welcoming the cyclists to our stores and giving them lots of encouragement along the way."