Staff at two local businesses have decided to help with fund-raising for the 'Penny Farthing Appeal' charity bike ride over 20 miles, which takes place this Sunday, July 6, at Llandovery.
New Hedges Post Office and Pembrokeshire Mortgage Centre are both helping this year's event by taking part in the bike ride and raising funds through sponsorship. David and Anne Pugh, who tragically lost their eldest daughter, Sian, through cancer last September, have enlisted their work colleagues to help them raise as much money as possible.
Commenting on their commitment to this particular charity, David said: "The Penny Farthing Appeal was actually started by a young man - Richard Davies from Llandysul - who also tragically lost his life to cancer. When he was diagnosed, Richard used his family's interest in antiques, especially penny farthing cycles, to launch an appeal which would use the funds for direct cancer research trials at Velindre Hospital.
"After Richard died, his parents, Derek and Carol Davies, took over the running of the charity and every year raise a lot of money for cancer research. To date they have raised over £42,000 for the appeal. They are also proud to say that out of every £1 raised, 92p is spent directly by Velindre Hospital on their cancer research and trial programme.
"Anne and I have been close friends with Carol and Derek for over 25 years and because Richard and Sian were in junior school together we feel a special bond towards this appeal.
"When Anne and I asked our work colleagues for sponsorship we were amazed at their response, as they not only wanted to help with sponsorship, but to actually take part and raise additional funds themselves."
Staff and friends from New Hedges Post Office are taking part and actively collecting sponsorship from customers.
Gwyneth Jenkins said: "The owners, Pat and Mary Watts, have kindly allowed us to collect sponsorship from all our customers who have all been very supportive. We are all looking forward to the bike ride next Sunday and trust that as many of our loyal customers will make that special effort to support Anne and myself."
Meanwhile, David's colleagues at Pembrokeshire Mortgage Centre are also playing their part by getting fit and raising funds for the event.
David commented: "It's not too late for anyone to make a donation. We want to raise as much money as we can for direct cancer research and treatment to help with this terrible disease, so please get in touch and help."
Anyone who would like to support and make a donation can contact either Gwyneth and Anne at New Hedges Post Office or David at Pembrokeshire Mortgage Centre on (01834) 812141. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Penny Farthing Appeal - Cancer Research Wales'.