Huge thanks go to our intrepid fundraiser Tom Bancroft.

Tom, 50, of Old Colwyn completed a 187km return cycle ride between our hospices in Conwy and Oswestry.

On 20th March in atrocious weather conditions, Tom undertook the challenge of riding across Wales and back setting off from Tŷ Gobaith at 7am, reaching Hope House by lunchtime.

On the return leg however the conditions and legs forced Tom to stop in Carrog, 62km from home.

Tom and grandson, Jenson present their fundraising cheque at Tŷ Gobaith

Undeterred, Tom got back on his indoor bike the very next day and set the exact terrain and distance to complete the challenge.

He said: “I’m pleased with the result and still very proud.

“By the time I passed Llangollen on the way home, I had slowed down to about nine miles per hour and every slight incline felt like a mountain.

“The rain and wind were unrelenting so I was forced to stop as there was nothing left in the legs.”

In memory of son Karl

Tom and wife Kerrie’s son, Karl had lived with the condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and died in 2016.

Karl was 23 years old when he died.

During Karl’s life, the Bancroft family had accessed care support, respite and counselling at both Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

Karl Bancroft who died aged 23

Tom continued: “The next day I used my TACX technology on a fixed bike to complete the ride at home following the exact route and gradients indoors to honour all my sponsors.

“I would like to thank every kind person who donated and my wife Kerrie for coming along in the car as support crew on the day.

“I couldn’t have done it without her and we’ve raised a great amount for this wonderful charity which I’m very proud of.”