They did it! Jan Bower, a specialist haematology nurse, Simon Rossiter, one of her cancer patients, close friends and family, raised more than £5,500 to support patients at the new Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit at Withybush Hospital by cycling from Holyhead in North Wales to Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. And, as if completing this endurance challenge alone wasn’t enough, Simon and his best mate, Chris Brace, remarkably completed it on a tandem bike!

Chris stated: “Although, at times, it felt like we were cycling up the north face of Everest with a blue whale tied to our back wheel, we had so much laughter and fun riding the tandem together, it was an experience that I will never forget in my lifetime.”

Simon added: “It was very tough, with hills much steeper and longer than our local Wiseman’s and St. Bride’s, then on the last day we still had the hills to contend with, but Mother Nature decided to throw in severe freezing gale force winds and torrential rain just to spice it up for us, but as we had done all along, all of us dug deep, stuck together, supporting and encouraging each other until we all made it through to the finish. Every single cyclist just put in such an amazing, strong effort and should be so proud of what they have achieved.

“I would like to thank everyone who sponsored and believed in us, my fellow cyclists and the excellent support team of my brother Jeremy Rossiter and Jan’s parents, Terry and Pat Richards, who worked so hard along the entire route, feeding and directing us, which allowed us to just concentrate on the cycling and completing the challenge; we could not have completed it without you guys.

“Chris and I would both like to thank Carl Evans once again for lending us his tandem, but we both agree you can have it back now and if we ever see it again, it will be too soon!”

Special thanks go to Carlton Coates and Billy Connor from Tenby Aces who travelled all the way up to join them on the final leg of the cycle, bringing with them the unbelievable news that the Aces had raised £2,000, which they were donating towards the fundraising efforts. Carlton, Billy and everyone at Tenby Aces cannot be thanked enough for their kind generosity and support, as well as Station Self Drive, Enterprise Cycles, of Neyland, Crossways Service Station, of Neyland, Fred Rees Skoda Dealership, Enterprise Car Hire, W. and M. J. Rossiter Funeral Directors, N. D. Toy and Partners Ltd Independent Financial Advisers, Big Brums, Rhys Jordan, of Feel Good Inc, and Corrie Williams, of Olorun Sports.

Donations are still possible and can be made online at www.everyclick.com/challengecancer or by visiting the charity website at www.whcduappeal.co.uk