North to south team bike ride challenge caps off trio of fundraisers for NSPCC Cymru/Wales social worker

• Cathryn Williams took part in the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, the London Marathon in April before cycling the length of Wales in June for NSPCC Cymru/Wales.

• The social worker, who works at the NSPCC base in Prestatyn, was joined for the final bike ride challenge by colleagues Mike Jones and Sarah Ryan.

A CHILD safety worker at the NSPCC’s base in Prestatyn has just completed an exhausting fundraising hat-trick by following the Cardiff Half Marathon and London Marathon with a cycle ride the length of Wales.

Cathryn Williams, who is originally from Anglesey but now lives with her family on The Wirral, was part of a three-person team with colleagues Mike Jones and Sarah Ryan who cycled from Prestatyn to the charity’s Cardiff office over four days between Friday 21 June and Monday 24 June.

During the 225-mile route, the trio took in some of the best of Wales’ landscapes and landmarks, but had to contend with high-gradient hills, changeable weather and even getting lost as they approached Cardiff during the final leg of the journey.

Cathryn had previously supported the NSPCC by completing the Cardiff Half Marathon last October before taking on the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon in April.

Across the three events Cathryn, along with her colleagues in the bike ride, has so far raised more than £4,500 for the leading children’s charity which works to protect young people from all forms of abuse and neglect.

Cathryn said: “The cycle was the most enjoyable of the three challenges as we had a great team spirit and there were plenty of laughs.

“The marathon was by far the toughest – both mentally and physically – although I was in more physical pain after the Cardiff Half Marathon.

“It has been a huge personal emotional and physical journey. I am proud at completing the London Marathon as it is such an iconic event and something to tick off my bucket list, but I am also extremely proud to have cycled the length of Wales being Welsh.”

After completing almost 265 miles on wheels and on foot for NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Cathryn will be resting for a short while even if her next fundraising challenge is already under consideration.

“There are a few ideas swirling in my mind maybe a triathlon for beginners and will certainly be doing a team Three Peaks challenge next year,” said Cathryn.

“Fundraising gives you more of a focus and determination to complete an event, knowing that people are supporting and sponsoring you for a cause that you have close to your heart.”

Cathryn’s two team-mates on the bike ride, who are also child safety practitioners at NSPCC Prestatyn, added that despite the ups and downs of cycling the length of Wales, it was unlikely to be the end of the last fundraising challenge attempted by the charity’s Prestatyn staff.

Sarah said: “It was a great experience to cycle Wales with Mike and Cathryn – there was such a great amount of team spirit and lots of laughs along the way, although the third day was a mixed bag when we were caught in a torrential downpour.

“Working with families and within the NSPCC we know first-hand about the positive impact NSPCC can have on children and families who have suffered abuse and we wanted to raise money to support them.”

Mike, who cycled parts of the route dressed as the #TalkPANTS mascot Pantosaurus, added: “After Cathryn completed the Cardiff Half Marathon and the London Marathon for NSPCC, we made an effort to arrange the bike ride as a spin-off from Cathryn’s marathon efforts.

“I used to be in the military and we raised money for the NSPCC at one the bases I was stationed at. Now, working for the charity, it makes even more sense.

“We are in the process of recruiting more staff members to take on the Three Peaks challenge next year.”

The NSPCC Wales cycle team can still be sponsored here.