TWO keen cyclists have got on their bikes for a marathon fundraising challenge.

Ruth Allen and Caroline Roberts travelled the length of Wales for the Stroke Association, covering 185 miles between Llandudno and Cardiff.

Ruth said: "My husband Bob and I started Brecon Wheelers in 1982 so we have always done a lot of cycling. Then five years ago my husband suffered a stroke. He is now in need to full-time care and so is sadly in a home."

Caroline and her husband Mike also had a hand in the early stages of the Brecon Wheelers. Mike and Bob had completed several charity cycles and Ruth and Caroline were used to supporting their husbands, but were not usually the ones in the saddle.

Local fundraiser and Brecon delivery manager for the Royal Mail Neal Gardner also offered support to the pair. They sold raffle tickets and the amount raised was match-funded by the Royal Mail. Ryan Bevis, a local postman, joined Ruth and Caroline on the last day to cycle the last leg of the journey into Cardiff.

Including the match funding that they received from the Royal Mail, the pair have raised £4,000. Ruth said: "We’re absolutely chuffed to bits. Our original target was £1,000 so we’re thrilled with the response. We would like to thank BiPed for servicing our bikes for free, and Bikes and Hikes for supporting us, as well as everyone who donated to the cause."