AN 80-YEAR-old carried out an 80-mike bike ride to mark his milestone birthday.

Mike Wells challenged himself on his 80th birthday, on Saturday, July 17, to raise money for St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph.

He raised more than £450 for the charity and was joined by Sarah Thomas, Molly Thomas and Luke Astley.

Mike said: “My main purpose was to raise money for St Kentigen as that is where my wife Shirley Wells passed away three years ago on July 20.

“In preparation I carried out two rides a week - one 20 mile and one 30 mile.

“I have always liked cycling as a hobby and have always kept fit throughout my life with playing rugby competing in iron man triathlon in my younger days.”

Mike enjoys hill walking with Prestatyn Walking Club.

He still works as a carpenter and works for Jackson's Garden Centre who offered their van as a support vehicle on the ride to Bangor.

Mike added: “I planned the route from Prestatyn, as that is where I live, and wanted to complete 80 miles. One for each year and to do it around my birthday

“Bangor worked perfectly as it is 40 miles there and the return journey makes the 80 plus it is along the coastal path.

“When I told my family their reply was ‘we’ll all do it” So my daughter Sarah Thomas, my granddaughter Molly Thomas and her boyfriend Luke Astley - plus my son-in Law were all in the support vehicle supplying refreshments.”

Mike and his family carried out the challenge in 10 hours.

Mike said: “It was incredibly hot but we all made it.”

The donation page is still open. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Cycleforstkents

St Kentigern Hospice provides specialist pallative care services for adults across North East Wales. They rely on donations from the public.