At 18pm on Friday, 18 May, the near 20-strong team will start pedalling the Walters Wheelies TCT UNITed Challenge, stopping mid-way for an overnight rest and completing the arduous journey sometime on Saturday evening, 19 May. For some, finishing itself will be a major triumph, having never attempted any such distance on two wheels, sponsored or otherwise.
Corporate support has been received from Euro Commercials and Sinclair Group, who are providing the necessary transport to the start the challenge and provide back-up on the road, and cycling supply company UVEX, who have supplied helmets and rehydration bladders for the journey.
Around seven young people (aged 13-24) are diagnosed with cancer every day. Teenage Cancer Trust provides expert treatment and support, right from the moment patients hear the word ‘cancer' and are the only charity dedicated to this particularly vulnerable age group.
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Walters recognise that teenage years are challenging for young people without any illnesses, and pledged to offer as much support and help to those who have to face the ordeal of cancer, as well as the challenges of adolescence. They are no longer children yet not quite adults, so need quite specific care and considerable emotional support, in an environment that understands teenage issues.
Following previous support from one of the directors, Walters decided to partner with the Trust last year and set themselves an ambitious target of raising £20,000 by the end of the first 12 months. Already well past the half-way mark, it's hoped that the cycle ride will boost the much-needed funds for an excellent cause
Debbie Jones, Teenage Cancer Trust fundraising manager for South Wales, said: "We're very grateful for the continued support from everyone at Walters. They've set themselves an incredible target to enable us to continue to support Teenagers and Young Adults with cancer in South Wales. I have no doubt that they'll absolutely smash it with this, and all the other challenges and activities that they've already undertaken in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.
"We're funded entirely by voluntary donations, so our incredible supporters like the team at Walters are vital to help us to continue our work. By reaching their target Walter could help us to fund more than 660 hours of specialist nursing care at our specialist Teenage Cancer Trust unit in Cardiff.
"We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone taking part in the cycle challenge, anyone who has taken part in an event already, has donated, cheered on colleagues or help us raise awareness of the need for services for local young people with cancer. Currently for every young person we support, there is another we cannot.
"Thank you #Team Walters for helping us to get a step closer to our aim of being there for every young person with cancer in South Wales."
To support Walters Wheelies TCT UNITed in their efforts, visit the Just Giving page here.
