Over £5,000 has been raised for three important charities after a group of four friends cycled from Sandringham to Aberystwyth.

The team, which consisted of Sian Downes from Llangeitho, Daniel Downes from Pumpsaint, Gareth Jones from Llanrhystud and Gerwyn Davies from Llandeilo, decided to cycle the 257 miles from Norfolk to Aberystwyth in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and the Cardiac Monitoring Unit ward at Bronglais Hospital.

Speaking about why they did the challenge, Sian, who is a sheep technician at Innovis, said: “With many fundraising events cancelled due to covid-19, charities have not received the support they would normally get from a typical year. We felt that we wanted to part take in a challenge ourselves whilst also raising as much money as possible along the way.

“Living in rural Wales we understand the importance of the air ambulance in delivering emergency care and reducing the critical time of getting a patient to hospital.”

The fab four decided to pick this fundraiser after Sian, who worked in Norfolk for two years, was returning to Aberystwyth to work.

The epic cycle ride was completed in just two days – whilst lockdown restrictions were lifted. The first day saw them cycling 158 miles from Sandringham to Eccleshall and then the final journey was 99 miles from Eccleshall to Aberystwyth.

The cyclists completed the challenge with the help of their support team - dairy farmer Eurig Jenkins, from Talsarn and Glyn Evans, sales representative for Oil for Wales from Ciliau Aeron.

Reflecting on the £5,152.84 raised, which saw each charity received £1717.62, Sian said: “We are over the moon with the total figure raised to be shared between three worthy charities.”

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, said: “Thank you to the four cyclists, as well as their support team, who all played their part in raising an amazing amount for the three vital charities. They cycled 257miles in just two days, which is a fantastic achievement. A huge thank you to everyone who donated to the fundraiser, you’re all ensuring that our 24/7 lifesaving service will continue to be there for the people of Wales.”