A virtual tour around all the Milkwood Care homes

Last year, I was talked into growing a moustache as a Movember fundraising challenge, but my sons insisted that that wasn’t enough, and talked me into a month of walking, rowing and swimming! It was worth it though, because not only did I feel fitter, but I also managed, with the help of friends, colleagues and family, to raise £1100 for the charity.

Movember is a charity trust, set up in 2003, which has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. Focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer, this charity pledges to fund research and offer services that will support the reduction in the number of men dying prematurely by 25% over the next ten years.

This year, for my Movember challenge, I am hoping to beat last year’s target by going on a virtual bike ride around each and every Milkwood Care home. This is my progress so far –

Day 1, setting out on my bike on Sunday 1^st November, I left The Mountains Nursing Home just outside Brecon on a rainy, windswept morning. The clouds were hanging around the peak of Pen-y-Fan, the highest peak in The Brecon Beacons, as I cycled down the road towards Brecon. Passing through Bwlch, up and down the hilly roads, I didn’t push it too hard on this first day, and managed to complete 8 miles without getting wet.

Day 3, I set off on into the wind towards Crickhowell. This pretty little town is a favourite stop for Charles, The Prince of Wales, and its collection of individual shops all proudly display photos of his visits. Pushing on with the sun peaking through the clouds, the road ran parallel to the pretty River Usk. The rain from the previous night meant that the river was swollen, but not in flood, as I followed the valley through to the busy market town of Abergavenny. The town was unusually quiet due to the Welsh lockdown, so there was no market and most of the shops were shut.

Good news on the fundraising as the day ended, as the total amount pledged went through the £600 barrier. A generous pledge from our company architects has put me well on the way to my target of raising £10 a mile for the 183 mile trip. A long ride lies ahead over the next few days to get me down to the Welsh border town of Monmouth. A long ride and lots of hills!

I look forward to keeping you updated with my pedalling progress!

Robin Cheesman
Director, Milkwood Care