Man to cycle Wales in handbike for local boy, 12, with cancer

Darren Williams with his handbike which he learned to ride after suffering a spinal injury
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


A man who is hand-cycling the length of Wales to raise funds for a local 12 year old boy diagnosed with cancer has expressed his anticipation for reaching the finish line.

Darren Williams, 37, experienced a life-altering spinal injury following a road accident in 2014 and has since mastered the use of a handbike. In 2020, he undertook the demanding task of a 106-mile handbike ride from Cardiff to Cardigan. His latest endeavour will see him cover the full length of Wales, an estimated 190 miles.

Over three days in April, Mr Williams, who resides in Cardigan, Wales, plans to cycle from Llandudno to Barry, assisted by two support vans. "The boys will be feeding me on the move, passing me bars and things, filling my water bottle up. So that’s all I got to think about, just keeping my arms turning," he shared with the PA news agency.

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Mr Williams aims to raise funds for a local boy named Louis, recently diagnosed with cancer. "I heard about this local lad who’s been diagnosed with cancer recently unfortunately, and he plays rugby for the local town and he’s only a year older than my daughter," he said.

"There’s a few fundraisers going on locally, but I thought if I do something big to try and get some more money in for him and his family going forward, because obviously they are going through a bit of a time."

Discussing the challenge, he mentioned: "Probably the biggest complication is having a pressure sore because I’m going to be on the bike maybe seven or eight hours a day. That’s a long time so when I get off the bike I’m going to have to get onto my front, to get off my backside, to prevent pressure."

He expressed his love for challenges and the motivation he gets from raising funds for Louis and the anticipated support from the public. "I know it’s going to get really tough out there, but I like it when people do come along and show their support and lift the spirits, because there are going to be plenty of ups and downs."

He also mentioned the emotional journey and the boost he receives from seeing supporters on the streets and fellow athletes joining him.

"There’s a lot of emotions going on but when you see people in the streets coming and giving money and athletes coming to join for a few hours, it lifts the spirits so I’m looking forward to seeing that and obviously looking forward to getting to the finish line."

To contribute to Mr Williams’ cause, the public can donate at gofundme.com/f/length-of-wales-for-louis-and-family.

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