A Powys wellbeing service took on the challenge of cycling over 2,000 miles in one week.

The staff, clients and volunteers at Ponthafren, a wellbeing service with bases in Welshpool and Newtown, gave themselves the challenge of cycling the 2,115 miles of the Tour De France.

The challenge, nicknamed the ‘Tour De Pont’, saw several people cycling on stationary bikes, adding all their miles together to reach a grand total of 2,115.

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The challenge ran from July 8 to July 15, with people adding to the total by cycling in 30 minute sessions as well as a few mile donations from people cycling outside of Ponthafren.

Rachel Harris, operations manager at Ponthafren Newtown, said: “We just wanted to come up with a completely daft idea, but also something that we thought everyone could get involved with, that staff, clients and people outside of Ponthafren could jump on board.

(Image: Rachel Harris)

(Image: Rachel Harris)

“We had such a great response from so many different groups, just as we hoped it was something anyone could contribute to. We Newtown Rugby Club cycling 136 miles, Maldwyn Leisure Centre peddled 197 miles, Welshpool Rugby Club made a donation as well. So many groups pitched in to help.

“We ended up hitting our goal of more than “2,000 miles in the end, completed in seven days. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think we could do it when we first came up with the challenge, but everyone pitching in made it possible.

(Image: Rachel Harris)

(Image: Rachel Harris)

“We raised £180 for Ponthafren, which is wonderful, but it was about more than just fundraising. We wanted to boost the social side of doing a challenge like this, one of the reasons why it was important to come up with something everyone could pitch in for.

“Seeing all that come together was really great, especially from people who use our services but don’t mingle as much. Having a common goal gave everyone lots to bond over and talk about. It’s exactly what we want Ponthafren to give people.

“This has been an amazing effort and lots of fun with so many fabulous supporters helping and donating miles. Thank you so much to our counsellors, staff, trustees, clients and volunteers.”