Charity ride reaches Welsh peak

Four riders have reached the summit of Cader Idris, one of Wales’ highest mountains.

The ride was organised by local residents, Brian Matthews and Lizzie Eaton from Llandinam, to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and the British Horse Society.

Riding Welsh cobs, the four riders set off on Wednesday 28 May to commemorate the 12-month anniversary of Brian Matthew’s triple bypass operation.

“It was a question of looking at the map and working out where we hadn’t been,” says Lizzie, secretary for the Powys region of the BHS. “We saw that there was a bridlepath up the side of Cader Idris and decided to go up there.”

“It was a tremendous experience,” she adds, “especially considering what Brian has achieved in a year. For a 66-year-old, I think he is amazing!”

Enjoying fantastic weather and amazing views, the group took three hours to complete the 900-metre climb, which was peppered with boggy patches and shale.

“We were in contact with the Snowdon Rangers: once they were happy with the weather conditions they gave us the go-ahead,” explains Lizzie.

“We also had a huge amount of help from a local farmer John Lewis, whose land we crossed. Mr Lewis told us that he had lived there all his life and that it was the first time in 70 years that he had witnessed an attempt to ride to the top of Cader.”

The two other riders taking part were Karen Davies and Mike Brennan. Mike took the challenge one step further. He rode from his home in Mcohdre up the mountain, then home again, camping out throughout the 50 mile round trip.

The ride has made an estimated total of £500 which will be split between the two charities.

For more information on the British Heart Foundation visit: www.bhf.org.uk or to visit the BHS website: www.bhs.org.uk.

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