CYCLISTS pedalled through the night at Newport’s Velodrome to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.
Twenty-one cyclists from across Wales and England answered the call of Paralympic cycling gold medallist Simon Richardson, who hosted the event, braving poor weather to come to the city for a ten-hour ‘trackathon’.
The event, one of a series being planned at different cycling venues, was Mr Richardson’s way of saying a fundraising “thank you’ to the air ambulance service, which came to his aid after he was seriously injured when knocked off his bike last August. He hopes the events will raise several thousands of pounds.
Mr Richardson, from Porthcawl, who won two gold medals and a silver at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, is continuing what will prove a long battle back to fitness.
He managed to complete around three miles himself, the furthest he has ridden since the incident near Bridgend, which left him with serious spinal injuries that will require further surgery.
In total, the cyclists covered 1,547 miles over the Velodrome boards.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here