TWENTY-ONE Gwent YFC members and supporters cycled from Brecon back to Goytre along the route of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal last week in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The event was organised by Raglan YFC as part of the Gwent YFC Chairman’s Challenge for 2019, which sees all six clubs set a challenge to complete with Chairman Laura Baker.

The cycling challenge on the last Sunday in July was the second in the series, following an ice bucket challenge in June organised by Abergavenny YFC.

The journey along the canal took members on a 25-mile scenic ride. For many who hadn’t ridden a bike since childhood, it was not a challenge to be taken lightly.

Two punctures tried to hold up proceedings, but with a spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit to hand, they were soon back on the path again.

“It was a glorious day and such a picturesque route to cycle back through the rolling Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire hills,” said Laura. “We received lots of support from passers by and it was great to complete the challenge alongside 20 Raglan YFC members and friends.”

So far over £1,000 has been raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and that is set to grow with four more challenges to be completed by the end of the year.

“Thank you to all who have sponsored and supported us so far,” said Laura. “Alzheimer’s is a disease that has personally affected my family. And as I hear of more and more people suffering with the awful disease, which little is known about and for which there is currently no cure, I am very proud that between all the Gwent YFC members and myself we can raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.”

Future challenges include the Three Castles walk with Crucorney YFC, walking the five bridges of Newport with Bedwas YFC, walking the Severn Bridge with Wentwood YFC and a 24 hour cycle challenge with Usk YFC.

If you’d like to know more about Gwent YFC visit www.gwentyfc.co.uk, or if you would like to support the challenges, you can donate to Alzheimers Research UK at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gwentyfc