Charity cycle challenge raises £15,000 after travelling along Carmarthenshire’s Tywi Valley Path

A team of cyclists travelled along sections of Carmarthenshire’s scenic Tywi Valley Path as part of a challenging three-day charity ride that raised £15,000 for inclusive sports charity Goals Beyond Grass.

The team, made up of staff, students, governors, alumni and supporters from Hartpury University and Hartpury College, cycled approximately 180 miles (290 kilometres) from St Davids to Hartpury in Gloucestershire. Their route took them through Carmarthenshire, with an overnight stop in Carmarthen before the team cycled a section of the popular Towy Valley Path and continued through Abergavenny to their final destination.

The Tywi Valley Path forms part of National Cycle Network Route 47 and provides a picturesque traffic-free route through the heart of the Tywi Valley, making it a popular destination for both recreational cycling and active travel.

The funds raised will support Goals Beyond Grass, a charity that helps reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing through accessible cycling, football and community activities. The organisation’s work enables thousands of people each year to build confidence, independence and social connections through inclusive sport.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said:

It was fantastic to see this inspiring charity challenge pass through Carmarthenshire and make use of our beautiful Tywi Valley Path. The route is one of the county’s most popular active travel and leisure attractions, offering spectacular scenery and a great way to experience the Tywi Valley.

The dedication shown by everyone involved demonstrates the positive impact that sport and physical activity can have in bringing communities together and supporting worthwhile causes. Congratulations to all those who took part and helped raise an impressive £15,000 for Goals Beyond Grass, which will help create more opportunities for people to participate in inclusive sporting activities."

Brian Dix, Founder and CEO of Goals Beyond Grass, said:

We’re so inspired by what the team has achieved. It’s an amazing feat of endurance, and the money and awareness this challenge has raised will make a real difference to our charity. The funds will enable us to deliver another 22 weeks of our inclusive cycling sessions, helping more than 3,000 people with disabilities across Gloucestershire to access cycling and enjoy all the benefits it brings."

The challenge was supported by a number of sponsors, including Aramark, Square One Network, HCR Law, EG Carter, Abi Precision Engineering, Enterprise Mobility, Two Rivers Housing and Abbey Business Interiors, as well as volunteers, donors and supporters who encouraged riders throughout the three-day journey.

Although the ride has now finished, donations remain open, with funds continuing to support inclusive sport and physical activity programmes.