The chairman of Llandovery RFC has helped raise £38,000 for a WRU charity that supports players who have suffered life-changing rugby injuries.

Last year Handel Davies joined 36 keen cyclists, including eight former internationals, for a cycle ride from Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay to the Principality Stadium, Cardiff stretching over 200 miles.

Joining Handel on the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust Cycle Ride was former Wales and Ospreys captain Ryan Jones, Wales' assistant coaches Robin McBryde and Huw Bennett.

Others famous for their studded boots included Colin Charvis, Alix Popham, Les Keen, Tony Copsey and Aled Williams.

Handel, who took part in the ride in his capacity as Friends of the WRU Trust, was also joined by his brother-in-law Aled Williams.

Handel said: "The first day was pretty tough travelling a distance of 116 miles, which meant being in the saddle for almost ten hours, six of which were in heavy rainfall and involved over 11,000 feet of climbing including the Bwlch y Groes pass.

"The second day saw us travel from Llandrindod Wells to Cardiff for a total of over 200 miles finishing at the Millennium (Principality) Stadium."

The team of cyclists were then greeted by former players who had directly benefitted from the charity along with the president and organising staff of the WRU.

Handel is no stranger to pushing himself while raising money for charity.

He said: "It all started in 2008 when my mother-in-law, who was and still is on the Llandovery hospital League of Friends, nominated me to take part in a sponsored parachute jump for Llandovery hospital."

Since then Handel, who is standing for the local elections in May for the Llandovery and Llanfair Ar Y Bryn ward, has continued to take part in various charity fundraising ventures, from cycling to mountain climbing, raising over £10,000 in the process.

Handel's latest WRU cycle ride saw him raise £1,235 for the rugby charity.

WRU president and chairman of the trust Dennis Gethin, said: "The rugby family has once again showed tremendous support for the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust which helps to generate much-needed funding for those who have suffered catastrophic rugby injuries."

"On behalf of the Trust and the Welsh Rugby Union, I am grateful to the individuals and organisations who have pulled together by donating sponsorship money."

Plans are afoot for another WRU charity cycle ride again this year which Handel said he was eager to take part.

"I really enjoyed last year so I will be keen to once again sign myself up for this years challenge. I would like to say a special thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me raise a great sum of money for a really good cause."