CHARITABLE cyclists are setting out on a 110 mile sponsored ride from Stourbridge to the Welsh coast tomorrow morning (Friday, June 10).

The group will be heading for Islawrffordd Caravan Park, near Barmouth, to raise money for Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support, with their 12 hour ride taking in the idyllic scenes of Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury, Welshpool and Dolgellau.

Stourbridge man Martin Whelan has organised the charity cycling challenge, which will leave AEG Motorhomes at 6am, to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the loss of his mum, Maureen, who died from cancer.

Martin said his family has enjoyed holidays in Barmouth for many years and his mum’s favourite place was Islawrffordd Caravan Park, where the family had a caravan holiday home.

Since childhood, Martin has wanted to cycle from Stourbridge to Islawrfford, so to celebrate his 40th birthday – and as a tribute to his mum – he decided to do it this year, where his will be joined by friends and acquaintances.

Martin said: “I have been going to Barmouth on holiday since I was five and Islawrffordd was my mum’s favourite place and it remains my favourite place because there are a lot of happy memories there.

“We decided to choose a cancer charity as well as the West Midlands Air Ambulance and the support I have had is fantastic. We aimed to raise £5,000 but I think we have surpassed that target.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the rest of the team and sponsors for their support. It means a hell of a lot to me.”

Jane Evans, wife of Dylan Evans, a director of Islawrffordd Caravan Park, will be one of the cyclists joining Martin.

She said: “We have known Martin and his family for a long time and we were keen to support him when we heard that he was organising the bike ride for charity.

“I have cycled up to 80 miles in practice and am looking forward to the ride.”

The cyclists will be stopping off en-route to the Welsh coast at caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury, who are sponsoring the ride.

Other riders include Paul Hupperdine, of Talybont, Chris Mcleod, of Stoke on Trent, and Barry Fisher, Tony Walters and Graham Varney who hail from the Midlands.

Jane’s sister, Rachael Garner, of Stoke on Trent, will be helping Steve Jones in a support vehicle and Paula Tunnadine, a Barmouth fitness instructor, will be joining the riders in Dinas Mawddwy.

To support the riders and donate to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thebarmyridetobarmouth, or for more on the challenge visit www.facebook.com/thebarmyridetobarmouth