The Cardiff office of property adviser GVA is taking to two wheels in aid of children’s hospice, Tŷ Hafan. The Taff Trail Cycle Challenge takes place on 7 September – GVA is the main sponsor of this year’s event, which is now in its 12th successful year.
Cyclists are invited to follow one of two trails – the full trail of 52 miles, and the half trail of 26 miles. The event is expected to attract 560 cyclists and raise more than £50,000, contributing to the hospice’s annual running costs of £3.7million.
The Taff Trail Cycle Challenge follows one of the most beautiful and scenic routes in Wales, from Brecon to Cardiff, taking in the valleys and villages, along former railway lines, canal paths, tram roads, reservoirs and viaducts. The shorter trail starts in Merthyr Tydfil. Both trails finish together in Cardiff centre, in Blackweir Fields.
Two teams of four from GVA have entered the full 52 mile trail. The money that the GVA teams raise through their own sponsorship will be matched by the company.
This year Paralympic cyclist Mark Colbourne will join the fundraisers on the 52-mile trail.
Tŷ Hafan depends on fund raising through events such as the Taff Trail Challenge to meet the running costs for their vital services, providing care and support to life-limited children, young people and their families from across Wales.
Ben Lewis, Director at GVA, who together with colleagues has taken part in the Taff Trail Challenge for the past three years, says: “We’re really pleased to be supporting Tŷ Hafan through sponsorship of the Taff Trail Cycle Challenge this year, as well as entering two teams. Tŷ Hafan is a really amazing and inspirational charity, and is close to many people’s hearts, so we hope that by working with them we will help them raise significant funds.”
Mair Jeffreys, Events and Marketing Officer at Tŷ Hafan, said: “We are incredibly grateful to GVA for kindly supporting our Taff Trail Challenge event. We are thrilled that so many participants have signed up for the challenge as the funds raised will make such a difference to the lives of life-limited children and their families who rely on services.
“An event on this scale wouldn’t be able to go ahead without dedicated marshals, so if the challenge isn’t for you but you would still like to get involved, you can volunteer to marshal at the event.”