PEMBROKESHIRE YFC County Chairman Thomas Bevan got on his bike on Saturday (August 30) to raise funds for a children’s charity close to his heart.

Starting off at Fishguard YFC in Jordanston Hall at 6.30am, Thomas and his support team visited every YFC in the county.

They included Brawdy, Hayscastle, Keyston, Tiers Cross, South Pembs, Martletwy, Templeton, Llawhaden, Clunderwen, Hermon, Eglwyswrw, Llys y Fran, before finishing off for a well-earned pint at the Cross Inn, Clarbeston Road.

Each year the County Chairman must adopt a charity, with Thomas choosing the Noah’s Ark Appeal. It is the only charity exclusively fundraising for the Children’s Hospital for Wales.

Thomas said the charity means a lot to him because both his brother and sister were born prematurely at 27 weeks and 24 weeks, weighing 2lb 14oz and 1lb 7oz respectively.

“My sister required a heart operation at just three weeks old, where she had to travel to St Michael's Hospital in Bristol. She also had to have laser eye surgery in Singleton Hospital. Had the Children's Hospital for Wales been built she may not have had to travel so far for her operations.”

Speaking after the gruelling cycle ride, Thomas said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would complete my challenge cycling 100 miles around Pembrokeshire.

“A massive thank you to everyone who came out to support me and to those who joined me along the way.

“A special thanks must go to Tim John, Steven Henton, Bleddyn Thomas, Carwyn Rees and Mike Smith who more or less went from start to finish with me and pulled me over the line. Thanks also to Helen Hodges and Pippa Williams for driving the support vehicles.

“I'm sure an amazing amount of money has been raised for the Noah's Ark Appeal.”

Thomas’ other fundraisers this year have included a Grand Charity Auction in Clarbeston Road in June, which raised an incredible £8,400, and running the All Wales Marathon in Tenby in July.

To make a donation to Thomas’ cause visit www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Bevan-Pembrokeshire-YFC/

Alternatively you can text TNAA63 and the amount (£) to 70070.