A group of villagers have raised almost £2,000 for an organ donation campaign by taking part in a 420-mile bike ride.
Friends and family of Rowney Green resident Jim Lynskey, who died earlier this year aged 23 while waiting for a heart transplant, cycled across the widest part of the UK (St David’s to Great Yarmouth) over five days.
The group, including Jim’s father, Gerry, took on the two iconic Brecon Beacon climbs of Bwlch and Rhigos, followed the next day by the climb out of Winchcombe.
The money raised, which is expected to rise further, will support Save9Lives, the initiative Jim set up in 2015 after he was listed for a heart transplant at the age of 19.
“Jim will be remembered as a brave young man who faced his illness with more courage than most of us will witness in a lifetime,” says family friend Andy Cramp.
“As well as managing his own condition, he wanted to raise awareness of transplant issues to support others in similar situations.
“Gerry is not an all-year round cyclist so for him the ride was really tough, but his strength of character pulled him through for Jim’s cause.”
Save9Lives has been recognised on a national level, partnering closely with NHS Blood and Transplant, as well as with many charities associated with organ donation.
Jim’s family are determined to continue the work and promote Save9Lives as widely as they can, particularly through sport and music, to improve the lives of more than 6,500 other patients awaiting a transplant in the UK.
If you would like to support the campaign and make a contribution, visit https://www.save9lives.com or search for Save9Lives on Facebook.