As part of an ongoing fundraising campaign by members of Penarth Lawn Tennis Club, one of its members will be taking on a cycling challenge next month.

On Wednesday, 7 September club member Alan Cozens will be cycling approximately 200 miles from Bangor in North Wales to Penarth.

The trip, following Wales National Cycle Route 8, is expected to take two full days of pedalling and Alan will arrive back in Penarth on Saturday, 10 September.

The aim is to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Velindre Hospital in Cardiff and Marie Curie's Holme Tower Hospice in Penarth.

The original idea for the ride came about when club member, and well known Penarthian, Stuart (Hoss) Munro was receiving palliative care for cancer at Holme Tower.

Stuart died in January 2021 but in his memory the club is continuing to fundraise.

Stuart had passed on his cycle to Alan with a request that it was to be used to raise money for the fight against cancer. Covid got in the way of plans last year, but everything is now in place for next month and the bike will be used by Alan throughout on the challenge.

Cancer struck the club again in October 2021 with club chairman Pete Jones, another well known Penarth personality, died after a very long battle with the disease.

As a result, the club decided to join with Velindre Cancer Centre as its chosen charity partner for 2022/23.

Earlier this month Penarth Nub News reported on the fundraising progress so far this year.

After discussing fundraising with Gill Munro and Jan Jones, widows of Stuart and Peter, it was agreed that the club would aim to try and raise equal amounts for the two charities from Alan's ride.

Alan said:"I got to know both Hoss and Pete through the tennis club and we became firm friends. Both had a huge zest for life and this shone through as they battled so bravely against their illnesses, as it did in everything they did for the tennis club, as both members and chairmen.

"It's an honour to be doing this challenge to raise much needed funds in their name and in particular in response to Hoss's request."

If you would like to support Alan on his challenge, you can donate via this link.