A team of 3 cyclists have tackled the Lôn Las Cymru cycle route in aid of St David’s Hospice.

Lôn Las Cymru is one of the most challenging cycle routes, taking you from Chepstow to Holyhead through the heart of Wales. The 250-mile route is completed on average in 5-9 days as cyclists take on mountain ranges, National Parks, forestry tracks, river valleys and more.

Rhys Jenkins launched the fundraising effort in memory of his mother-in-law, Emma Nigogosian’s mother, Franny Nigogosian. Franny spent her final weeks at the Anglesey Hospice, up until October 2021.

Franny was a remarkable and well-loved teacher at Ysgol Aberconwy. A mum to Emma and Sevan, and lived with her husband Garo at Rhos Isaf, Llanddona, for over 30 years. She was a beloved ‘Granny Franny’ to her four grandchildren: Fred, Yeva, Lewis and Louis.

The well-loved character has inspired the trio to challenge themselves. Organiser Rhys Jenkins, describes the ride,“The cycle ride was completed over 3 days, with a total distance of 265 miles. Three riders completed the challenge: Myself (son-in-law to Franny), Ashley Ross (husband of Franny’s niece, Anne-Sophie Ross) and close family friend Sam Anderson-Hall.

“After starting in Chepstow, the team headed through the Monmouthshire countryside to Abergavenny and climbed the Gospel Pass, the highest road pass in Wales, into Hay-on-Wye. The first day ended in Llandrindod Wells, with a huge meal and a good night’s sleep.

 “Day 2 was the most difficult, as the team crossed the wild Cambrian mountains to Machynlleth and headed into Snowdonia before stopping on the coast at Barmouth.  The team saw plenty of wildlife on the way, wild mountain ponies, buzzards and kites. As the gradients got steeper, and the hills longer, thankfully, the amazing support team were on hand to dish out snacks and, more importantly, much needed words of encouragement. The scenery was spectacular and amazingly, the team avoided any mechanical breakdowns – just a few emotional breakdowns instead! 

“Day 3 was the longest day, at 87 miles. After a hearty breakfast, the team set off up the coast via Harlech, then Porthmadog, Caernarfon and onto Anglesey for the final stretch.  A real highlight of the challenge came on this day, when Fred Jenkins and Lewis Jenkins, aged 6 and 3, joined the cyclists along the Lon Eifion from Dinas and into Caernarfon. With the end in sight, across the Menai Strait, the legs grew tired, the pace slowed, and the coffee stops became more frequent. But eventually, at almost 6pm that evening, the cyclists arrived at the Anglesey Hospice, greeted by the hospice staff and some well-deserved tea and cake.

“The amazing fundraising total was raised via a JustGiving page, driven by the incredible efforts of Rebecca Anderson-Hall, Emma Nigogosian and Anne-Sophie Ross, who created brilliant daily videos of the journey and shared them on their social media pages. Along the way, many extremely generous donations were received, and the team wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to everyone that so kindly donated.

“Having thoroughly enjoyed the fundraising experience, the team is now setting its sights on a new challenge for 2023 and hopes to continue its support of St. David’s Hospice Anglesey for many years to come.”

The fundraising efforts from the team are to be commended, the enthusiasm and commitment by the support team has enabled everyone at home to follow the journey each day. The team have raised an incredible amount of over £8,300 (including gift aid) for St David’s Hospice!

If you would like to donate to ‘Franny’s Ride’, please visit Rhys Jenkins is fundraising for St David’s Hospice (North Wales) (justgiving.com)