A dedicated teenager from Carmarthenshire got on her bike to cycle 100 miles from Cardiff to Tenby in aid of good causes.
Alwena Morgan, 13, braved the warm weather and miles to take part in CarTen in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance, Wales Sports Foundation, MS Trust and Llangadog brownies.
Alwena, who is a Welsh cycling youth closed circuit champion, took part in the huge cycle ride with her father Geraint. She was sponsored by Red Chilli Bikes and her father’s business, Black Mountain Fire.
The young cyclist is no stranger to taking part in cycling events, Alwena competes in road and track events across the UK. She is currently racing for PDQ Property Elite Race Team and a proud member of Velo Myrddin CC.
Alwena, who lives in Cwmifor, Llandeilo, trains mainly alongside adult cyclists along with established champions and idols, including Welsh, British, and world champion riders.
Alwena’s proud dad, Geraint said : “Words can’t express how proud we are of Alwena who conquered the CarTen, which was 106 miles from start to finish!
“Even though she had to wait at the top of every hill for me! What an incredible feeling it was crossing that finish line in Tenby with her on both our first Carten cycles, with all her amazing supporters cheering her on!
“She has truly shown what determination looks like, not only completing this massive challenge but also raising funds for charity in the process! Alwena is such an inspiration to us all, by proving that with dedication and heart, amazing things are possible.”
Alwena’s dad Geraint used to work as a firefighter, speaking on why Alwena fundraised for these causes, he said: “She chose charities that are close to her to raise funds for. My previous career saw me work closely with the Wales Air Ambulance and build some friendships with pilots. She saw the great work the charity does and she thought it is a great cause and really important service.”
Since her successful fundraiser Alwena visited the Wales Air Ambulance’s headquarters in Dafen, where she met Regional Fundraising Manger, Mike May, and presented him with a cheque of £250.
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
It is delivered via a unique third sector and public sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
The Charity’s Regional Fundraising Manger, Mike May, said: “Congratulations to Alwena on completing the CarTen fundraiser at such a young age. It is a huge achievement and shows her determination and dedication to raise funds for the causes she has chosen. She has raised an incredible amount for the good causes and we were delighted to be one of the charities to benefit from this fantastic fundraiser. It was lovely to meet her during her base visit, where she presented the Charity with £250.
“We are very grateful for the support from Alwena and thank you to everyone who has donated to her fundraiser or supported Alwena with training and on the day of the fundraiser, we appreciate your efforts.
“Alwena’s fundraiser will help us to continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Thank you so much.”
