Rhys Meirion and Dilwyn Morgan, who are taking on the challenge, and Toni Hamlett, a Renal Services Manager with BCUHB
Glyndwr University is urging staff and students to show their support for a bumper charity bike ride.
The Wrexham University is backing an appeal by NHS organisation Blue Sky/Awyr Las to raise as much money as possible for the Lap of Wales challenge.
Riders of all ages are being invited to join world-renowned singer Rhys Meirion and celebrity guests for the first stage of the eight-day trek, a ‘Recycle’ journey from Bodelwyddan to Caernarfon on Saturday July 4.
Rhys and 11 celebrity friends – including Llansannan singer, dancer and presenter, Tara Bethan, and actor Bryn Fon – will use wacky modes of transport to get around the country.
The group reaches Wrexham on Saturday July 11, where they will travel on an open-top bus via the town’s Maelor hospital before going on to finish at Llangollen International Eisteddfod.
Through this ‘Lap of Wales’ they will help to promote the need to talk about organ donation with loved ones and to raise awareness of the new opt out law which will be in place in Wales from December 1 this year.
Under the new law, unless a person has stated a decision not to be a donor, they will be regarded as having no objection to donation.
Rhys said: “I know from personal experience how important it is to discuss one’s wishes around organ donation.
“I’m very proud to be doing something now alongside the wonderful team who supported my family when my sister Elen died three years ago and who helped to make sure Elen’s wishes were carried out.”
Recycle riders will leave from Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, after Rhys and his celebrity challengers start their epic adventure.
The riders will take in wonderful scenery for the 60km first stretch along the coast before meeting up with the challengers in Bangor for what is being described as “a particularly exciting stretch of the Lap of Wales”.
The riders will then continue on to Caernarfon, where they will again meet up with the Lap of Wales challengers, who will have taken to the seas, for more fun and surprises. This shorter, 12 km long stage is suitable for more novice bikers and families.
Intensive Care consultant and one of Wales’ Clinical Leads for Organ Donation, Sam Sandow, who is helping to organise the ‘Recycle’ bike ride, said: “Recycle is open to everyone who enjoys cycling.
“The money we raise through the bike ride and other ‘recycle’ themed activities over the next few months will help people on both sides of organ donation: the donor families we support and the many patients who are waiting for an organ in Wales.”
Glyndwr University interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Upton, added: “This is an incredible cause and we are delighted to support it. We hope to see all of our staff and students getting involved and the entire community coming out to wish Rhys and the team well on the day.”
Other supporters and sponsors include S4C, Heno, Gardners Accountants, Virgin Trains, BT, Huws Gray, and North Wales Tidal Energy.
For more information about this event or to register your place, go to www.lapof.wales or contact Jayne at [email protected] or on 07881578105.
