A Swansea business has helped to raise more than £62,000 for a children’s heart charity by supporting a cycling challenge.
Sinclair Van Centre in Swansea was delighted to get behind the ‘Remembering Owen’ bike ride which raised funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
The event saw more than 160 family and friends of a Cardiff schoolboy, who tragically died, cycle more than 100 miles in just two days.
Owen Morris was a healthy, active 13 year old with a keen interest in sport. In September last year he died after suddenly collapsing with a previously undiagnosed heart condition during training with Llanishen Rugby Club under-14s.
The Volkswagen commercial vehicle business provided the support vehicle for the challenge, which saw cyclists of all ages ride from Cardiff to Brecon, along the Taff Trail.
The cycling event was organised in Owen’s memory to raise awareness for CRY and help generate funds for the charity’s cardiac screening programme to help prevent other families from going through the same tragedy.
The event was organized by family and friends of Owen, who were delighted with the cycle ride’s success as family member, Ann Davies, explained: “It all went tremendously well and there are even talks about the bike ride becoming an annual event.
“We are overwhelmed with money raised so far and donations are still coming in, which is testament to Owen and his family.
“We were very grateful to Sinclair Van Centre as the van was a valuable asset for the two Welsh Ambulance Service Paramedics, who also kindly gave their services for free.”
Clive Hopkins, head of business at Sinclair Van Centre in Swansea, said: “One of our service advisors, Daniel, was taking part in the ride and when he told us they needed a vehicle we were more than happy to offer our support.”