As Owner of La Vida Liverpool online magazine, I often promote charitable causes and one of the recent ones is the #Endthestigma campaign to set up a men’s mental health hub in North Liverpool. I’d been promoting various Crowdfunders and fundraising efforts of others for this important project but I decided to take it one step further by actually doing something myself — cycling around the coast of Wales!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The #Endthestigma campaign aims to set up a hub for men in the Liverpool region — somewhere they can seek advice and support in a non clinical environment. The hub will specialise in early intervention and will offer a mental health nurse on site, support groups, workshops, programmes, holistic therapies, coffee mornings, activities and much more.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
With mental health problems and suicides on the rise, particularly amongst males, and long NHS waiting lists, the need for such a place to bridge the gap is clear. The #Endthestigma campaign needs over £30,000 to get off the ground so I decided to get fully involved by attempting to cycle 500 miles from Wirral to Bristol, via the Welsh coast, along with my good friend John Biddle.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
John is a keen cyclist and had previously cycled to Land’s End on his road bike — with all the gear and experience, he was well positioned for such an epic bicycle adventure. I, on the other hand, had only cycled locally — around the Wirral, Liverpool and Chester — and had no experience of cycling for days or up constant hills. I knew it was going to be a huge task but I had no idea what a gargantuan effort it would actually require! In fact, if it wasn’t for John’s advice I would’ve carried too much and would never have made it!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Without any training or big rides leading up to the trip, we set off from the amazing Charlotte’s Brightside community hub in New Brighton on Friday 9th July. Our Crowdfunder had already gained momentum thanks to lots of media coverage from the likes of The Liverpool Echo, The Wirral Globe and BBC Radio Merseyside, and this was furthered by the attendance of Liverpool Community Radio, Grae Strummer from New Brighton Peddle Power Progression and a convoy of cyclists for our departure.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
John raced ahead on his road bike for the first leg to Colwyn Bay — a 55 mile cycle around the Wirral and North Wales coastline — whereas myself, my friend Rob, Grae Strummer and the convoy of cyclists took a much slower pace. We stopped for ice creams at Artisan Gelato in West Kirby and were given them for free by the owner, John Kipper Hughes, when he heard about our cause. Some old ladies donated some money too and this was the beginning of many acts of kindness along the way.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
We stopped at my Auntie’s bench on the Wirral Way — something I’d put there in her memory after she committed suicide — and when we got to Neston, another kind soul donated after learning about the purpose of our cycle. At this point Grae Strummer and the convoy turned back — leaving Rob and I to catch John up at the Air B&B in Colwyn Bay, admiring views of the Wirral from Wales on the way.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Our journey was eventful, as Rob’s cycling shoe became stuck in his pedal and the chain on my old restored bike came off several times, but after a much needed stop for pints in Prestatyn we finally made it to our destination at 10pm. Our first day required a big effort but there were many more days of cycling ahead!
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Our stay in Colwyn Bay was lovely and we enjoyed stunning views over the bay (despite the large, aggressive seagulls), before having a large breakfast in the morning. Big thanks to Eileen for a great stay at her ideally located Air B&B. Rob headed back home and it was now John and I to cycle to Aberdaron — a mighty 75 miles and almost 5,000ft of hills!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
We cycled for hours around the Welsh coast, meeting some lovely people along the way — collecting donations and talking to people about mental health. One poor guy we met told us that he has really been suffering since his wife passed away — a very sad thing and something we were only too willing to offer our support for. We cycled across the Llyn peninsula before finally arriving at my Mum and Step Dad’s caravan in the gorgeous Aberdaron just before it got dark.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The huge cycle that day was without doubt one of the toughest physical challenges of my life — but it wasn’t about to get any easier! The following day we cycled over 60 miles to Barmouth in the relentless rain and as my old restored bike was slowing me down, John sped off to the seaside destination to meet me there (hopefully in time to watch England in the Euros Final). Me being me though, I decided to stop for pints in Porthmadog on the way there.
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Stopping off at The Australia pub in Porthmadog was a much needed respite from the constant rain and perilous A roads — let me tell you, when cars are flying past you in the rain with no kerbs it can get pretty hairy! At The Australia I met a cracking guy called Malcolm who also donated to our cause when I told him what we’re doing — as the journey progressed, there were more and more acts of human kindness and support.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
From the historic town of Porthmadog, I cycled as fast as I could in the rain to the busy tourist destination of Barmouth — reaching our hotel, Barmouth Beach Club, with 5 minutes to spare before the England v. Italy match kicked off. John had already been relaxing for a couple of hours and had managed to get dry, whereas I had to watch the match in wet clothes — not even having time to dry my clothes with a hairdryer!
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As we all know, England lost that match on penalties, but that didn’t dampen our mood that Sunday night. We drank with the owner Tony, his friend and chef Kev and a group of war veterans who were staying there. It transpired that the hotel has been featured on television due to its charitable work — amazingly, £20 from each booking gets put in a pot to give end of life, severely disabled people and veterans free stays. What great people and what a brilliant initiative!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
As efficient and organised as ever, John cycled to our next destination, in Llanrhystud on the Monday morning — whereas I needed a bit of a lie in. To my dismay, I discovered that my bike had a bad puncture, so I took it to the lovely guys at Birmingham Garage in Barmouth. After learning about our cause, the amazing Tommy gave my bike a service for free to get me on my way — alas, there was further drama ahead that day.
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Getting confused by directions I’d been given, I ended up cycling in the rain in a big loop to Macynlleth, then to Dolgellau, then pretty much back to Barmouth — instead of taking the much quicker Barmouth bridge route. I had cycled miles without really getting anywhere and to make matters worse, my old bike suffered a permanent puncture on the cliff edge coastal path. Despite the efforts to pump the bike up by a father and son who were cycling, the bike wasn’t going to get me any further!
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With the front tyre completely flat, I walked for miles in the rain to the nearest village with a train station. Doing the unthinkable, I was forced to take public transport to Aberystwyth — the nearest big place with hotels and bike shops. Ditching the bike at the train station, I wandered the promenade in search of a reasonably priced place to stay and I was in luck, as the lovely people at Marine Hotel & Spa gave me a double sea view room, breakfast and use of the spa for just £40!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Whilst staying at the gorgeous sea front hotel, I met a great guy called Andy. We talked for an hour or so about cycling and life over a couple of pints and his story truly inspired me. Andy quit his highly paid corporate job as it was bad for his mental health and decided to go cycling instead — he has since cycled all over the world as far as New Zealand, Australia, India, America and Canada. What a guy and thank you for the pint mate!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
After a fantastic stay courtesy of the very generous hotel, I needed to find a replacement bike. I took to Facebook Marketplace and managed to buy a decent road bike from a cool guy named Tim for just £75 — yet another act of human kindness — and cycled up some gruelling hills as I headed around the coast into South Wales.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
This day, however, was yet another struggle, as my posture on the bike caused my back agony and I developed cramp in my thumbs due to the handles. The road bike was decent but this type of bike just doesn’t suit me! I was determined to cycle as far as I could until I could secure a new (and third) bike and stopping at Blaenplwyf’s community shops was a great experience — meeting more lovely people and being donated food, drink and £5 for the cause.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
After struggling terribly up the hills and cycling for as far as I could, I decided to take a much needed rest in the quirky little seaside port of Aberaeron — just north of the buzzy surfer’s paradise, New Quay. I met some more lovely people who donated, raised a toast in respect of my good friend Sean who took his own life in 2020 and drank pints with people until my new bike arrived — my second purchase off Facebook marketplace.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Funds were already getting tight (John and I self funded the entire trip), so I was very grateful for some financial support from my Mum and Stepdad and friends Dave Miney, Paul Miney and Erik Smith. Part exchanging the unsuitable but decent road bike, I secured a cracking Specialised mountain bike for just £100 from a great local guy called Wayne — yet little did I know, it was to be one of the most difficult nights of my life!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Whilst waiting for my bike to arrive and celebrating its arrival afterwards, I inadvertently managed to get rather drunk in Aberaeron. Without John’s trusty hotel booking and organisational skills, I managed to get myself stranded in a little seaside port — with nowhere to stay and only dangerous A roads and big hills in the dark to get out. My only option was to drink by the stream with three local guys and as they didn’t want me to stay at their houses for varying reasons, I was officially stuck.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Facing the prospect of sleeping rough either in bushes or in a boat or somewhere, I decided to wander around the town drunk until it got light. As soon as there was enough daylight to see ahead, I cycled in the early hours for miles until I reached Cardigan at 9am — conquering some eye wateringly large hills along the way. Hill after hill after hill, they were relentless, and my only consolation was the fact that the A Roads were quiet.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
One thing I’d say about this trip is I totally underestimated the hills — if you’re considering doing this then please do prepare yourself for some demoralising ascents. With John well ahead and on his way to St. Clear’s, my enjoyment of winging it my way was diminished during this early morning sleepless cycle. Arriving in Cardigan at 9am was a relief and with no phone battery, I knocked around at hotels and B&Bs in search of an early check in.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Knocking at one hotel, I was finally told that there was a room available a few miles away at a place called ‘The Cliff’. In respect of what I was doing, the Bed & Breakfast room would cost me a discounted price of £60, and in desperate need of sleep I snapped it up. Cycling for what seemed like endless miles, I imagined ‘The Cliff’ being a whacky B&B somewhere remote, but when I arrived at the hotel I was completely taken aback!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Following a weary cycle along the cliff road, to my amazement I arrived at the incredible hotel and spa — a luxury destination with stunning views over Cardigan Bay! After being stranded and cycling up gruelling hills through the morning, the universe well and truly rewarded me for my resilience! Of all the places I could’ve ended up, I managed to land a top destination, with breakfast and full use of the spa facilities for just £60! Amazing!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The Cliff Hotel & Spa was too nice a destination to spend my time sleeping in my room and the feeling of miraculous discovery gave me a new lease of life. I spent the day in the spa, enjoyed food and drinks in the sun whilst looking over Cardigan Bay and was joined by the lovely Paula who came to join me from Liverpool. We had the most amazing time and enjoyed looking for dolphins on the cliffs and leaving the next day was very difficult.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The following day I decided to cycle 40 miles to St. David’s — the smallest city in the UK — but before I did I had a special task. I was asked by my friend Julie to deliver flowers and a card to her Auntie Pauline who she’d not seen for over a year and to see her delight after receiving the delivery was priceless!
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With a heatwave now underway, I cycled up many more hills to St. David’s and on the way I stopped off at The Trewern Arms in a little village just outside Newport for drinks and conversation with some more new friends who donated. I had a brilliant time at The Trewern Arms — so much so that I arrived in St. David’s on the Thursday night at 9pm.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
With John now completely ahead in Carmarthen, I once again I didn’t have anywhere to stay and after cycling around the gorgeous little city of St. David’s, I began to panic when there were no rooms available anywhere. After much searching I was saved yet again, this time by an amazing guy called Rob — the owner of St. David’s Bunk Barns and Campsite just outside the city.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Located down a farm track, Rob’s centre offers fantastic value group accommodation for cyclists, stag and hen doos, schools, disabled people, veterans and other groups. A beautiful place with plenty of walks, activities and sports to engage in, Rob’s centre is located right by the cliffs — with stunning views and an idyllic secret cove. Rob put me up for free and even gave me £20 for food the following day — what a guy and yet another triumph for the human spirit.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
I woke early on the Friday morning and decided to visit the secret little cove for a swim. It was like being abroad, although the sea was ice cold (something that’s actually a good therapy for mental health and cold water dipping is becoming more and more popular). At the cove I met Wales International Rugby League star, Morgan Evans — another great guy who was very supportive of our cause.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Leaving St. David’s that day was very difficult due its beauty, the heat and the fact I’d ate a huge meal at one of the local pubs. Cycling along the busy A roads and up hills in the heat was torturous so I decided to take the quieter coastal route out of St. David’s, through Haverfordwest (where I met a lovely family who donated) and as far as I could get before I ran out of steam. I had hoped to get to Tenby but the heat was killing me so I settled for Pembroke Dock.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
At this point I was down to my last £50 and borrowing money from family and friends to help fund the trip was the only way I’d survived. When I arrived at Pembroke Dock on the Friday night the only room available was one last double room at the Travelodge and although the girls working there offered fantastic service, they couldn’t do anything about price. Fortunately, my good friend Dave and the lovely Paula bailed me out and lent me some money for the room and the rest of my trip.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
I didn’t get to see much of Pembroke Dock but the comfy bed, bath and good sleep was a godsend. I had been on the road cycling for 8 days and I had come to really appreciate the joy of rest and a good night’s sleep — although I had gone past the point of having aching legs. Cycling every day had become a way of life now — that said, there’s no way I could’ve tackled a 75 mile cycle as we did on the second day.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Keeping in contact with John about his progress, he was well on his way to completing the 500 mile challenge — not to Bristol as we had planned but instead around Wales and back up through the country to our home in Wallasey Village. John had come off his road bike at one point, injuring his arm, but managed to press on, hit a few Personal Bests and took some amazing photographs of the local scenery along the way.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Saturday saw me cycle in the heat once again — this time to Carmarthen. I cycled via Saundersfoot — a nice alternative to visiting Tenby — and the cycle into the bustling seaside town was a pleasurable one, without many hills for a change. I spent some time at The Old Chemist Inn, with views across the bay, and met some great people who offered support and donated to the cause, before cycling up many hills in the heat.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The hills out of Saundersfoot were gruelling and this was followed by a nightmarish A road — far to dangerous to cycle of, forcing me to walk for miles with the bike on the grassy verge. Checking my Google Maps, I opted to take some quiet country roads to Carmarthen but these were much more rural than I thought (pretty much horse tracks) and when my phone battery I realised I was completely lost on one of the hottest days of the year.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Thanks to a fantastic guy called Ken who lived in a village I stumbled across, I was provided with two bottles of water and reliable directions to St. Clear’s. I stopped in a local pub to enjoy a couple of well deserved pints and phoned around Carmarthen hotels to hopefully find somewhere to stay. With it getting well into the evening, I worried about being stranded again but after 20 or 30 calls I finally found a room above a pub for just £25!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Eager to get to my destination, I cycled as fast as I could down the A40 dual carriageway (another dangerous misadventure) for almost an hour until I arrived in the lively Welsh town. I was greeted by Steve at The Castle Hotel and immediately ditched my rucksack in my room to crack on with Saturday night drinking and celebrating finding a place to stay. A proper pub, The Castle Hotel was welcoming and lively — a great place to stay at the weekend!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
At The Castle Hotel I undertook another pint drinking vigil — this time to Adam Rowbottom who sadly took his own life not too long ago. Ever since the #Endthestigma campaign to set up a men’s mental health hub in North Liverpool was started, I have been in contact with Adam’s mother, Julie, and she has been championing the project. I thought it would be a nice gesture to raise a toast in his memory, whilst raising awareness and reminding people to talk if things are getting too much.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
After a decent sleep, the plan for the Sunday was to cycle 40 miles to Swansea before getting the train back home. I had got used to cycling every day, despite the heat, and could’ve cycled on to Cardiff and finally Bristol as planned — but being self employed and self funding the trip, I had to get back to make some money. Before leaving Carmarthen I befriended The Castle Hotel’s resident barman, Jason, and decided to drink and play pool with him on my final day in Wales.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
It transpired that Jason ‘Shaggy’ Edwards is actually a Welsh pool professional, so as the pub was quiet we enjoyed great conversation and plenty of pool — he beat me 6-4 but I gave a good account of myself and made a couple of decent clearances. Jason was yet another great human being I met on my journey and he made me a sandwich and washed my clothes before I had to get the train home.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
After saying my goodbyes and racing to Carmarthen train station, to my dismay I discovered that my train was cancelled. This resulted in me having to get a train to Swansea, then to Cardiff and finally to Chester — getting me in after midnight on the Sunday. Fortunately, I met two more great guys at the station — Chris and Jon — and we drank, laughed and talked about men’s mental health and life in general.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
During this epic 10 day pilgrimage I met some truly amazing people and it has been a great advertisement for Wales and for people in general. So often in the mainstream media you hear of atrocities and despicable actions of humans, but if you want the truth then cycle around Wales for a good cause and you’ll soon learn what people are about. Sure, there’s good and bad everywhere, however I am a believer that most people are 99% good and this trip reaffirmed that belief.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
The people I met along the journey had nothing but love and support for our cause — with many of them donating to it — and I was blessed to have been bought pints, given cheap accommodation and most importantly, friendship. If anyone is considering doing something like this I’d say wholeheartedly ‘GO FOR IT’ as Wales is a stunning country — although definitely take some advice, pack light, brace yourself for huge hills and dodgy A roads and definitely be more prepared than I was!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Upon my return after midnight I was surprised at Chester train station by my good friend Danny and the lads from Razzmatazz band. A fitting end to an incredible journey, I have been bowled over by the support for John and I and also our #Endthestigma men’s mental health campaign. Whether it be via donations or just support and encouragement, the goodness of people has really shone through.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
Our Crowdfunder has raised over £2,500, with some large donations from the likes of Shane Murphy (£500), Terry Edwards (Heritage Bar & Restaurant, £100), Revo Ziganda (EVOL Events, £100), Katy Elliott (Food Hygiene Expert, £100), Dave Powell (Mettle Training, £100), Marie Powell (15 Minute Testing, £100) and Gareth Hughes (Quality System Designs, £250). We are so grateful to everyone who has donated.
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
This bicycle adventure was indeed a big challenge, often fraught with danger, but one I’d definitely undertake again. I completed almost 400 miles, despite having no training and bike issues along the way, and John completed over 500 miles across the entire country. Having returned home, I’m making plans to set up a website for ‘La Vida Liverpool Cycletherapy’ and arrange annual or bi-annual charity cycles — watch this space! Thanks for your hospitality, Wales, and thank you to everyone who has supported us!
To donate to the Crowdfunder CLICK HERE!
