Llangollen lads cycling to Thailand praised in the Senedd

* Llyr Gruffydd MS praises the Westheads in the Senedd this week.

The achievements of the three Llangollen area lads cycling to Thailand to raise money for heart research have been praised in the Welsh Senedd.

Dyfan Hughes, 17, James Thomas, 18, and Louis Dennis, 18, who are known as the Westheads, are on an epic challenge to reach Asia this summer.

Once there they aim to meet up with their friend Harrison who moved to Thailand six months ago after his dad died from a heart attack and to raise money for heart research. 

llanblogger, which has been following their progress, last caught up with them over the weekend as they headed across Turkey towards the Black Sea.

And earlier this week their "remarkable" efforts won praise from North Wales Member of the Senedd Llyr Gruffydd.

He said: "I'd like to take a moment today to pay tribute to a truly remarkable group of young men from my region in North Wales known locally as the Westheads. 

"They've taken on an extraordinary challenge, cycling all the way from Llangollen to Thailand. Yes, you heard right - from the banks of the River Dee to Southeast Asia, on two wheels. 

* The three lads are given a warm send-off from Tower Field back in August.

"They're doing it, not for fame, not for glory, but for a cause that's close to their hearts, raising money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of a friend's father. 

"And so far they've managed to raise over £5,000, which is halfway to the target of £10 000, and they have a JustGiving page by the way, and I'm sure all donations would be gratefully received. 

"They set off 100 days ago, and I've already pedalled thousands of miles through Europe, across the Balkans and now into Turkey and their next stops will be Georgia and Kazakhstan as they continue their journey eastwards. 

"They hope to reach their destination in October or next year, an incredible two-year odyssey, powered by determination, friendship and a sense of purpose.

"Along the way they've shown what the best of our communities can produce, resilience, good humour and a spirit of adventure that inspires us all. 

"I know that everyone here will join me in wishing the Westheads safe travels, fair weather and strong legs for the journey ahead and indeed in congratulating them on flying the flag for Llangollen and for Wales and for the very best of human spirit." 

* To follow the Westheads' journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads