Mighty is Maggie’s first major fundraising and awareness raising event in South West Wales with participants biking 30-miles from Carmarthen to Gorseinon and then choosing to hike either 15-miles to Llangennith, 27-miles to Gower, or a truly mighty 45-miles to Swansea!

Maggie’s currently run an interim service based at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea, where they will eventually open a purpose-built centre, providing free professional information and support for anyone affected by any type of cancer.

Debbie Horrigan, Centre Head for Maggie’s in Swansea, said : “The Mighty Bike & Hike serves a dual purpose for Maggie’s, it raises funds and awareness. Visitor numbers to Maggie’s interim service are up since the event launched, more people are aware of who we are, where we are, what we do and our plans to build a centre within the next 3-years.”

Claire Noel, Events Manager for Mighty said: “This is Maggie’s first big challenge event in Wales so we are delighted to have 200 people throwing their support behind Mighty and Maggie’s is fantastic. We have people of all levels of fitness taking part, everyone has their own challenge and Maggie’s staff and volunteers will be supporting them every step of the way.”

People are taking part for a number of reasons – to get fit, to spend a weekend with friends, to see a beautiful part of Wales, while some are taking part for incredibly personal reasons.

Richard Smith, who owns Action Bikes in Swansea, says he and the friends joining him next month want to make the new Swansea centre a reality.

So too does Paul Jenkins of Sketty in Swansea, who is signing up to the bike and hike with a team of workmates at the city's Guildhall.  He says the hard work ahead of the event will be worth it.

"We are aiming to raise as much as we can," he added.  "My sister-in-law was helped by Maggie's in Swansea earlier this year,'' he said. "It was a listening ear when she needed it most. They were fantastic with their time, which is exactly what she wanted. I really believe in Maggie's and in what it offers. Every penny we raise will go towards achieving something I think the whole region will be very proud of.''

Craig Evans, aged 32, from Sketty Park in Swansea, joined in another Maggie's event in Scotland last year.

"There's no denying it is hard work, but the feeling you get when you cross that finishing line is, well, in a word, fantastic!"

There are still places left on the Mighty Bike and Hike for anyone up for the challenge.  You can register a team online or you can find out more on our Mighty information page, call 0845 602 6427 or email mighty@maggiescentres.org

For those that would still like to support Maggie’s in a less strenuous manner there are plenty of things you can do, and you can also come up with your own ideas. Phone Vicki Jones on 01792 285 868 or email vicki.jones@maggiescentres.org

ENDS

For more media information contact Murray Easton on 0141 341 5681 or email murray.easton@maggiescentres.org

Notes to Editor:

•    Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to help people live with, through and beyond cancer
•    Maggie’s Centres offer a programme of information, psychological support and relaxation to people with cancer, their friends and families.
•    Maggie’s programme of support is free of charge and operates on a drop in basis.
•    There are currently five existing centres in Scotland located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands and Fife, with an interim service available in Lanarkshire (interim service). And one in London.
•    Plans are in place to open centres in Swansea, Oxford, Cheltenham, Nottingham and Newcastle
•    Maggie’s Swansea currently runs an interim service at the Singleton Hospital for anyone living with any type of cancer