Jiffy’s Cancer 50 Challenge is back for a third year and this time it’s bigger than ever.
The charity cycle ride, organised by former rugby union and league star Jonathan Davies – known as Jiffy – has raised significant funds for cancer services at Velindre and Singleton hospitals, and this year’s event on Sunday, August 20 looks set to be the best yet.
For the first time, three distances will be available in order to cater for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The 50-mile route starts from The Cardiff City Stadium and finishes in Bracelet Bay restaurant The Lighthouse, but two other distances have been specially added.
A 32-mile ride will begin in The Star Inn in Wick, which takes out the main climb of the longer event.
PICTURED: Jonathan Davies has introduced two extra distances to this year’s event.
A 10-mile course will start in Port Talbot’s Remo’s, which then follows a ride on the National Cycle Network and is aimed at younger family members who want to join their relatives who may have started the longer distances.
All courses will look lead to a “mass finish” from The Secret – opposite St Helen’s rugby ground – into the Mumbles and on to Bracelet Bay.
Jiffy said: “I am so thankful for the support of everyone who has been involved in the past two challenges, and also those who are either helping set up this year’s event or participating as cyclists.
“Cancer is something that we are all linked to in some way – we have riders who have had cancer, or are still being treated for it, competing each year while others are doing it for family or friends who have suffered from it. So there is a lot of emotion attached to the challenge.
“The money we continue to raise provides both Velindre and Singleton centres with a massive financial boost.
“The camaraderie each year has been so warming to see as we all do our bit to raise money for these hugely important centres.
“This year is the biggest event we’ve put on so far, with three courses designed to appeal to riders of all ages and abilities.
PICTURED: Riders have helped raised nearly £180,000 for the cancer centres in Singleton and Velindre.
“The challenge and the amount of money we have raised – and continue to raise – is going to leave a lasting legacy for the centre.
“The backing we continue to receive gives us hope that we will be able to do this annually for both charities.
“Thanks to event sponsors Scott – the building and civil engineering company – and The Lighthouse Bar and Kitchen.
“See you all in August!”
Funds will once again be split between the Velindre Cancer Centre and South West Wales Cancer Centre, based in Singleton Hospital, Swansea, which is the second largest non-surgical Cancer Centre in Wales.
The Cancer Centre treats patients from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, across all of West Wales and as far north as Aberystwyth, plus patients further east to Bridgend, with lifesaving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
The challenge’s previous two events have raised nearly £180,000 for the two centres, with the hope of raising a lot more this year.
Joanne Abbott-Davies, Assistant Director of Insight, Engagement and Fundraising for Swansea Bay University Health Board, said: “As always, we are grateful to Jiffy and every individual who takes part in his Cancer Challenge each year.
“It raises much-needed money for Cancer Services at Singleton and Velindre, who provide Cancer Centres for patients in South West and South East Wales.
“The money raised allows us to fund services and facilities for our patients which core NHS funds can’t support, and makes a real difference to the care they receive.”
Entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship for the 50 and 32-mile routes, which will include an event cycle shirt. A minimum of £20 sponsorship for the 10-mile route includes an event technical t-shirt.
Want to challenge yourself? Why not sign up and join in on the fun! Visit: sign up now!
Swansea Bay Health Charity
Are you interested in raising money to support NHS services in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot? Did you know that Swansea Bay University Health Board has its own fundraising charity?
Swansea Bay Health Charity supports patients, staff and services within Swansea Bay University Health Board. Visit its webpage here to find out more.