A group of cyclists from around Monmouthshire are saddling up to cycle the length of the British Isles in an epic cycling challenge fundraising for two charities close to their

hearts.

On Saturday August 28, Josh Williams, from Usk and Kate Greenstreet and her daughters Amelia, Tilly and Jemima from Llandenny, will be cycling from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Parkinson’s UK.

Having only started road cycling together last year, what started as a form of daily exercise soon became a joint passion that the five cyclists decided to pursue and develop into a charity event.

As part of their training, the group have cycled around areas including Usk, Abergavenny, Hereford, Newport and even as far as Cardiff, often cycling a distance of around 120km on each ride.

They hope to complete the 1500-kilometre ride in 13 days, and had originally intended to take on the challenge in April this year but were forced to cancel those plans last Christmas when the country went into lockdown once again due to Covid.

Speaking to the Chronicle about the challenge, Josh said: “I think we’re more excited than nervous now it is upon us, we have been training hard over the last year and can’t wait to jump in the saddle and get going now.”

They will be raising money for Parkinson’s UK as all those taking part in the challenge have been affected by the disease.

In 2014, Simon Greenstreet, Kate’s husband and father of Amelia, Tillly and Jemima was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and Josh’s grandmother has also suffered with the disease for the past 25 years.

Speaking about the challenge on her Facebook page, Amelia said: “As someone who spent more time crashing my bike than actually riding it, this is a massive challenge and we have had to train so hard, for so many hours, in all-weather types.

“My wonderful Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, he’s doing amazing, but it was a life changing diagnosis. Parkinson’s UK work to support those living with Parkinson’s and their families and the money raised is vital in helping them carry out their work and continue research.”

Josh also decided to raise money for Birmingham’s Children Hospital after receiving life-saving brain surgery in 2011 having been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

Speaking about the diagnosis, Josh said: “It all began with me experiencing severe headaches accompanied with blurred vision. Following medical assessments I was diagnosed with this condition which causes high pressure around the brain increasing over time. Without urgent intervention the swelling around the brain was causing temporary eye sight loss, motion and balance problems, along with extreme headaches.

“During this time, I found myself back and forth to ward 10 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital where I received treatment. The amazing work of the doctors and nurses always ensured I received the best care possible.”

With this year marking the 10th anniversary of Josh receiving his surgery, Josh was determined to raise money to recognise the outstanding work undertaken at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital.

“The care I received was outstanding, and it is only reflecting back on this time that I am able to fully appreciate how much each and every person I encountered at the hospital did for me. It for this reason that I want to do something ten years on to mark the significance of this time and simultaneously raise money to help children who desperately need help like I did.”

As part of their fundraising efforts, the group hope to raise £5,000 for their chosen charities and have so far raised over £4,000.

Josh added: “We all signed up to this as a personal challenge and for the enjoyment. However, all five of us are acutely aware that with your donations we will be able to help people with links to these charities in the future, and I for one will use this as a motivation boost when I’m faced with yet another gruelling hill climb.

“We are all so grateful for your support whilst we take on this adventure, and thank you for your kind and generous donations.”

To donate towards the group’s cycling challenge please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/cakeittillyoumakeit