A GROUP of cyclists completed hundreds of kilometres in the blazing heat to raise awareness of organ donation and funds for charities that have supported Wolfscastle's Bella Curran.

Nine-year-old Belle is on the waiting list for a lung transplant, having been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease at the age of two. This is a rare condition which means that Belle's lungs, rather than being spongy, are stiff, hard and scarred making breathing a huge effort.

She relies on a wheelchair to get about and is on permanent oxygen. She also has to take a combination of steroids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-acid, vitamin D, and various inhalers.

Haverfordwest Ladies Circle, of which Belle's mum Stella is a member, is taking on a trio of challenges, and hope to raise £5000 for charities and organisation that have supported Belle, including Withybush's Puffin Ward, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital, Ty Hafan, Great Ormond Street and the Make a Wish Foundation.

They also want to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage people to register as donors and talk to their loved ones about it.

On Saturday, July 7, eleven glittery ladies set off on the Cardiff Velothon. members will take the 60km route, others are going big with the 125km route and some supporters are braving 140km. They have so far raised more than £3,600.

"What a brilliant event the Velothon Wales was," said cyclist Sophie Palmer. "It was super-well organised and with mammoth support from the public who set up mini feeding stations, blasted us with hoses and water guns, lined the roads and bridges, armed with musical instruments and loud hailers.

"The camaraderie amongst all the cyclists was immense - loads of encouragement and some lovely chats, mid route, sharing stories about the causes we were supporting."

Belle's mum, Stella added:

"I am so proud. I can't tell you how much this means to me - these amazing ladies have just been awesome. They have all done so much for Belle and her charities

"Thank you so much to Mandy, gorgeous godmother to Belle, you created this wonderful group of ladies who are now the most amazing friends who have two things in common - the desire to get Belle her transplant and we all conquered Caerphilly Mountain. Thank you ladies from the bottom of my heart."

The Ladies Circle will abseil down Pembroke Castle on September 23 and run the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 7 to complete their trio of fundraising challenges.