A NEWPORT dad has raised more than £4,000 for a children’s home and charity after cycling 240 miles with 21 colleagues from Arriva Trains Wales (ATW).

The event, named the Tour De Arriva Trains Wales, is a challenge run by the train company to raise money for Oaklands House in Rogerstone, a home which provides respite care for children with disabilities and the children’s charity Ty Hafan.

The challenge saw riders travel from North to South Wales, starting in Holyhead, passing through Gwent and finishing in Cardiff.

Ian Reiffer organised the Tour De Arriva Trains Wales challenge as his son Lewis uses the services provided by Oaklands House and Ty Hafan.

Originally, the ride only raised money for Ty Hafan, but for the past two years, the amount raised by Mr Reiffer and his colleagues is matched by ATW, and the same amount goes to Oaklands.

Mr Reiffer, who is the operations assurance manager for ATW, said: “From my point of view, there hasn’t been many employers that have let me choose charities and then run something like this every year.

“This is the third year we have done it now and we didn’t think we could fund Oaklands. It is quite limited on its funding and then we got the green light to help raise money for them.

“It’s fantastic and it’s something important to me as well.”

The 21 riders were welcomed and cheered into Oaklands for a rest stop before starting the last leg of their journey to Cardiff.

Manager of the home, Louise Quatermass, said: “I think they have done an absolutely amazing job for us. Last year they also raised a lot of money for us which let us refurbish our sensory room which was in much need.

“The funds they raise is much needed for us as we use that for specialist equipment for the children which is very expensive. It really makes a massive difference.”