AMMANFORD Triathlon and Cycling club has raised more than £2,000 to help boost the funds of Ammanford Foodbank.

The money was raised during a four-day virtual cycling event, named Giro d’ATAC to coincide with the Giro d’Italia race taking place at the same time.

The cycle event saw over 70 members of the club take part, following strict Covid guidelines.

The aim was to cycle as far, fast, or high as possible within the four days towards a team total.

Six teams took part with an incredible 8024 miles cycled, over 217 rides and climbing a huge 281,525 feet.

The event was organised by Liam Bennett, Joseff Rees and Jason Murphy, who recently dropped off a cheque for £2,100.48 to Ammanford Foodbank.

Jason, the club’s chair, hailed the event a huge success and thanked locals for their generous donations.

He said: “We were very fortunate to welcome large donations from local businesses include Meurig Griffiths from Griffiths and Sons, 925 Treats, TRJ and £250 from the Robert Dickie Charitable Trust.

“We had some amazing efforts from members during the event, including a first 100m ride from 68-year-old Bob Thomson who cycled 10 laps of a 10-mile loop, up and down the Amman Valley.”

Jason said that the club, which has around 200 members, has been a tonic for people throughout the pandemic.

He added: “I have had a few people tell me that getting out on their bike has been very good for their mental health during this difficult year.

“The event was great to keep us motivated while raising money for a good cause.”

Ammanford Foodbank Development Officer, Cheryl Dulake said: “The donation from ATAC is an amazing gesture. It is wonderful to see people coming together and raising money for the foodbank. The amount will help so many people locally.”

Ammanford foodbank will be open on December 30 instead of January 1 from 10am to 12noon.