Store doubles fundraising money

Money raised during a charity spinning bike ride has been doubled by a Newtown supermarket.

The Ponthafren Association and Morrisons held a bikeathon earlier this year, raising £600. And now the supermarket has doubled that by donating a further £600. 

 The Ponthafren/Morrisons Bikeathon was organised by Morrison’s Newtown store and Rory Evans, who works there.

The aim was to cycle the distance to the Senedd in Cardiff, over 100 miles, on spinning bikes supplied by Maldwyn Leisure Centre.

The volunteer cyclists eventually cycled well over twice that distance.

Morrisons has match funded the £600 that was raised from donations by shoppers throughout the day.

A cheque was recently presented by Rory Evans to Ponthafren staff and volunteers.

“The Morrison’s Newtown store did a great job in organising the charity Bikeathon led by Rory Evans, raising over £1200 in total for Ponthafren.

“Morrisons continuously work in Partnership with Ponthafren and we are all extremely grateful to them for all they do for the centre,” said Julia Gorman, Resource Centre Facilitator.

Ponthafren Association is a registered charity, catering for people who experience mental health issues, those who may be socially isolated or excluded, or those who may just wish to make new friends or gain new skills.

Based in Newtown, it serves the community in and around the very rural area of North Powys.

The association offers centres where people can relax, chat and have a chance to participate in a wide range of workshops, activities and courses if they wish.

In-house support is available and the association can signpost to other organisations and specialist support services.

The volunteer cyclists, including staff members and volunteers from Ponthafren Association and staff from Morrison’s, were joined by Russell George AM, Glyn Davies MP and Rory Evans himself in their effort.

Photo: Glyn Davies MP (centre) during the Ponthafren Morrisons bikeathon