You’d think they might have learnt their lesson from last year – cycling the length of Wales in a single day to raise money for Help For Heroes – but clearly they’re not that bright.

This year the same foolhardy trio (having surprisingly failed to swell their numbers from 2011) set out from Oxwich Bay, last year’s finish point, with the intention of reaching Croyde Bay, Devon, later the same day. This time in aid of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charities.

The ride took place as planned on Saturday the 7th, and whilst nobody expected it to be easy (what would be the point in that), the riders seriously underestimated the impact the horrendous weather would have.

The combination of distance, terrain and relentless showers, ultimately got the better of two of the party, leaving Ali to complete the last couple of hours of the ride solo.

Just before the final descent to Croyde Bay the team was rewarded with a break in the rain, an amazing sunset and a rare view across the Bristol Channel to Oxwich Bay where they’d started some 16 hours and 200 miles earlier.

Fish & chips and a pint finished the day (and the riders) off.

A huge thank you everyone who so kindly donated. If anyone would still like to the Just Giving page is still live

You can also check out Ali’s Instagram feed with all the photos from the journey