A DETERMINED cyclist has completed a massive challenge of climbing and cycling between the three national peaks in memory of his cousin who died earlier this year and to raise money for a three-year-old boy with cancer.
Daniel Evans, 30, lives in Llandybie and only took up cycling during the first coronavirus lockdown and instead of driving between the mountains he decided to cycle the 680 mile route.
He took on the three-peaks challenge to raise money for Joseph Yeandle, a three-year-old boy from Brynamman, who has been given just a 50 per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer.
The challenge also paid tribute to Daniel's cousin, Matthew Rees, who died in May after battling cancer.
Daniel said: "I recently lost my cousin from this disease and seeing Joseph go through the same fight at such a young age really hit home with me."
The challenge paid tribute to Danie's cousin Matthew who died in May
The self-employed plumber set off on July 11 from Llandybie and headed to Snowdon where he was greeted by his aunt and cousin, Matthew's mother and brother - to lend their support.
"My cousin Jason climbed Snowdon with me and it was good to have that support because it was really tough," said Daniel.
Daniel was joined by his cousin Jason at Snowdon
Daniel then made his way to Scafell Pike in the Lake District but the cycle didn't go as smoothly as he would have hoped.
He explains: "I was cycling in a heatwave and faced some really tough hills, it was a really hard day, but the support from everyone back home kept me going."
After making his way down from Scafell Pike, Daniel then cycled north to Ben Nevis.
"That was another awful road with massive lorries and I was also hit by the wing mirror of a campervan, which knocked me off my bike, but thankfully I was just a little bruised," said Daniel.
"But despite a couple of mishaps there were so many positive experiences that those incidents were small in comparison. People would stop and ask what I was doing during my stops at campsites because I had bows on my bike in tribute to my cousin. Those people then went on to make a donation - it was fantastic."
Daniel cycled a total of 680 miles during his challenge
It took 10 days for Daniel to reach the summit of Ben Nevis and he had cycled a total of 680 miles.
"It was a great feeling to have finally achieved what so many thought was a bonkers idea," said Daniel.
"My parents, who thought I was crazy when I told them about my challenge plans, were waiting for me at the bottom of the mountain with a bottle of champagne."
Daniel continues to raise money for Joseph and you can make a donation here.
Visit here to find out more information on Joseph's campaign.
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