Conwy man to cycle from Llandudno to Switzerland for charity

Eddie Davies, who runs outdoor race karting circuit, GYG Karting Ltd, in Cerrig-y-Drudion, is swapping four wheels for two to raise money for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

He will pedal from Llandudno to its two twin towns: Wormhout in France and Champery in Switzerland, calling in at Tŷ Gobaith enroute.

Eddie Davies (Image: Submitted)

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From June 14, Eddie’s wife, Tracey, will be running the family karting business while 65-year-old Eddie pedals through Wales, England, France and Switzerland.

Eddie has taken on this arduous journey to raise money for the children’s hospices after a friend’s daughter spent her final weeks being cared for at Tŷ Gobaith.

He said: “Tŷ Gobaith was vital for the family when they needed that care and support. I decided I wanted to raise money for children and families like theirs.”

Eddie has previously tackled a 300-mile bike ride from Marble Arch in Holyhead to Marble Arch in London in one day, where he and friends raised more than £4,000.

He is hoping to exceed this total by raising £5,000 on his Swiss venture. He isn’t sure how long the journey will take him, but is keen to drum up support along the way.

“I’d love people to join me for short sections of the route, perhaps to Tŷ Gobaith or from Llandudno, or though some of the towns I’m visiting,” he said.

“At the start I’ll be joined by mayor of Llandudno and by some of the pupils from Llandudno’s Ysgol Y Gogarth, who I’m sure will provide a good send-off.”

Eddie Davies (Image: Submitted)

He’ll be travelling through towns including Brecon, Chepstow, Bristol, Bath and Southampton before heading for the ferry at Folkstone.

From there, he’ll be making his way to the Flemish town of Wormhout to meet the residents of Llandudno’s French twin town; the two towns have been paired since 1989.

Wormhout is just 10 miles from Dunkirk - it was there that many members of the Llandudno-based 69th Territorial Regiment were ambushed, taken prisoner, and many were later shot.

Eddie will be making time in his itinerary to honour those who lost their lives there.

Eddie Davies (Image: Submitted)

Then it’s into the mountains to the Swiss ski resort of Champery, which has been twinned with Llandudno since 2022.

Skiers from Champery have visited Llandudno in previous years to use the town’s dry ski slope on the Great Orme.

Tracey hopes to join him for the big finish if she can find the time between business and family.

Eddie added: “Tracey is fine about being left in charge of work and family. She knows I do these daft things now and away, and she understands that this for a vital cause.

“I’m hoping she may be able to join me in Switzerland, though we’ve not long welcomed our first grandchild so she might have other plans!”

Tŷ Gobaith area fundraiser Andy Everley said, “Eddie is such a wonderful supporter.

“We can’t wait to cheer him on when he passes by Tŷ Gobaith, and we’re looking forward to following his progress on his Instagram account, too.

“We rely on sponsorship from passionate fundraisers taking part in fantastic feats to provide vital respite care and support for local children with life-threatening conditions, and their families.

“A huge thank you to Eddie and all his supporters.”