Bike rides raise record £10,136 (From Western Telegraph)

Bike rides raise record £10,136

CYCLISTS taking part in last years British Heart Foundation Bike Rides in Pembrokeshire again pedalled their way to success.

Despite the foot and mouth disease crisis, they raised their highest ever total of £10,136.

And their achievements were recognised at a special presentation ceremony at Haverfordwest Rugby Club recently.

Praise for the enthusiastic pedal power and remarkable fundraising prowess of participants came from area organiser for Mid and West Wales, Andrew Jones, who launched the rides eight years ago.

This year he hands over the reins to Julie George, new area organiser. Over the last two years, the event has been dogged by fuel protests, a postal strike and the foot and mouth disease crisis.

Although the amount raised by the junior bike ride was down, the senior event raised £7,346.78, which was a record amount, said Andrew. Since the rides started in 1994, an amazing £62,719.44 has been raised in Pembrokeshire.

The Western Telegraph Trophy for the team which raised the most money in the Junior ride went to Prendergast Youth Club. The club also won the senior team trophy.

The highest individual fundraiser was Barry Webb, of St Davids. He came in second during the two previous years but this time beat his rival Chris Brown.

Said Andrew: From a personal point of view, I would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation of the ride over the last eight years and everyone who has taken part. The response has always been absolutely wonderful. I wish Julie the very best.

Julie herself said she was ready to face the challenge this year. She said she had already met a number of people connected with the bike rides and found them very supportive.