Harry Wilson sends Thailand-bound teenagers a message of support

* Soccer star Harry Wilson and son send the Westheads a message of support.

Wales and Premier League star Harry Wilson sent a message of support to a three Llangollen area teenagers cycling to Thailand as they made their way through the Chinese desert this week.

The Fulham player, who went to school in Llangollen and grew up in Corwen, sent the Westheads a short video, in which he appears with his young son, saying: "Alright lads, as your journey passes 300 days we just wanted to do you a quick video to say that we've loved watching your journey and your adventures. And we hope you get to your destination as soon as possible."

Dyfan Hughes, 18, from Llangollen, Louis Dennis, 19, from Garth, and James Thomas,19, from Wrexham are making their 1,000 journey in aid of the British Heart Foundation in memory of Tony Edge, the father of their friend Harrison who died following a heart attack in 2024.

After leaving Kyrgyzstan they are now making their way through the heart and dust of the largely uninhabited Taklaman Desert, all 350 kms of which they must cross as quickly as possible to stay within the limits of their visas. 

Their first couple of days were marred by more bike trouble and the fact that they inadvertently left behind their valuable gopro camera in a hostel. But it was also notable for the kindness they've encountered from local people, some of whom have gifted them water and other supplies. A police officer also helped them find a hotel and to check in.   

The lads have been really notching up the kilometres, with 110 and 120 and then 140 passing under their wheels in just a few days. 

So far they've raised more than £32,000 of their £50,000 target for the British Heart Foundation since leaving Llangollen last year.

They have also amassed a huge following on social media, particularly TikTok where they have over 160,000 followers.

* llanblogger is recording their adventures along the way. To follow the journey on their social media and make a donation if you wish, go to: https://linktr.ee/westheads