Some people will do anything for charity – and that’s exactly what Welshpool PC Colin Baker did with his impressive 91-mile cycle ride around Lake Vyrnwy.
The event, which took place on 15 November, was in aid of three vital cancer charitable organisations; Macmillan, Marie Curie and a local hospice – the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury.
PC Baker, who finished the challenge in 5:55 hours, decided to ‘get on his bike’ in memory of an old friend – Matthew Jones or ‘Mash’ as he was better known, who sadly lost his fight against a rare form of cancer this year. “This was especially sad as ‘Mash’ died on my wedding day and leaves a wife and two young girls,” said PC Baker.
The bike challenge included 8 x 11.3 mile laps around Lake Vyrnwy, which boasts a steady ride on the mostly flat terrain and provides some excellent views.
PC Baker adds: “The weather was atrocious, with rain showers, winds and there was a large amount of debris and standing water on the roads left over from the gales the day before! The roads aren’t the best either with a rough tarmac surface for a fairly large section, which made pedalling just that little bit harder. But it was well-worth it as we managed to raise more than £2,000 thanks to all the kind people who donated these much-needed funds.
“The initial plan was to complete more than 100 miles around the lake, but after the first three laps and a thorough soaking, it was evident that this was not going to be an easy task. Finally we had to admit defeat at the end of the 8th lap with 91 miles on the clock – we still had another lap at least in our legs but it had become too dark, too wet and too dangerous to carry on so we got off our bikes till next time.”
PC Baker added: “Mash was one of the most genuinely nice guys I have ever had the pleasure to know. I never saw him angry, I never heard him putting anyone down, he was the most likeable person you could wish to meet and he always had a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed but this event was and hopefully will be a fitting tribute to his memory and we hope to make it an annual event – but maybe in the summer next time!”
