A Tarmac Aberthaw colleague is celebrating after completing a gruelling 300-mile cycle through Europe to raise money and awareness for the Royal British Legion.
Hesh Ibsule, a plant Packing Technician, took part in the five-day tour through France and Belgium along with nine other cyclists who work at British Airways Maintenance Cardiff. The tour was organised through the British Airways Road Cycling Club, near Aberthaw in Rhoose, and Hesh raised over £400 for the Royal British Legion.
Hesh explains:
“I worked at British Airways before joining the team at Tarmac and have remained a keen member of the cycling club. When I learnt of the challenge I jumped at the chance – not only was it a personal test but a way of honouring those that fought in the First and Second World War.”
Hesh and his fellow teammates embarked on the tour, which took in Etaples, the biggest British cemetery in France where over 11,000 commonwealth men and women are buried, and Mametz wood memorial, where the team paid their respects to the 600 welsh soldiers who lost their lives defending and liberating the people of Mamentz.
As part of the fundraising effort Hesh and the team have raised over £2500, with Tarmac’s Aberthaw Plant community fund donating £100 to the good cause.
Hesh added:
“We are delighted that through our challenge we have been able to raise money for such a worthy cause whilst also paying our respects to the thousands who lost their lives fighting for our country.
“I am thrilled that my employer has got behind the charitable activity – contributions like this make such a difference.”
Tarmac Aberthaw’s Production Manager, Nicola Bartholomey, commented:
“We are proud to support the fundraising efforts of our colleagues and are happy to get behind Hesh’s challenge. Individually our colleagues are making a difference to charities and people locally across Wales and the rest of the UK.
Aberthaw Cement Plant is the only cement works in south Wales. Cement made at Aberthaw has contributed to some of Wales’ most significant construction projects of recent time, including Pembroke Power Station, The Millennium Centre and home of the Welsh Government – The Senedd, both in Cardiff Bay.