The IFP's Nick Cann successfully completed his 100 mile charity bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby at the weekend raising over £5,000 for the Stroke Association.

IFP chief executive Nick is on long term sick leave recovering from a major stroke he suffered in March 2013 which left him with weakness on one side and speech difficulties. Despite his major injury he has devoted himself to getting fit and his 100 mile bike ride through Wales was described as "inspirational" by many.

The 100 mile CARTEN bike ride is an annual event in Wales with many riders raising money for charity. Nick took part with a group of other riders and support riders, some of whom had suffered strokes and other conditions.

The ride took just over 12 hours and Nick tweeted just after he finished the course: "Finished. Major achievement. Thanks to all support crew and @julielordcfp. Time to hit the pub now." Nick set a fund raising target of £5,000 which he surpassed today.

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The IFP tweeted: "@Nickcanncfp You did it Nick! Well done. We are all very proud of you. #carten100

Wife Jo, who accompanied Nick as part of a team raising money for the Stroke Association, said the weather was kind but a south westerly wind made it more of a challenge than expected. Some sections were also very hilly.

She said: "We set off at 7.45am from Cardiff City Stadium to a cheer from the other riders; six members of South Wales Paracycling Club and their support riders. Two were on tandems, two on their own bikes and two on hand bikes. Nick was on his own bike.
"The event was about being part of a team, helping each other so when someone was tired, someone else popped on the bike and continued the ride."

She added: "It was a major achievement for the six riders who took part, all of differing disabilities but accepted the challenge and exceeded all expectations.

Nick was raising funds for the charity, Stroke Association Wales, as was Alison Briggs of Cardiff. Between them they have raised more than £5000 for the Stroke Association Wales."

Before the ride Nick spoke of the "personal challenge" ahead of the gruelling endeavour which took place on Saturday.
He said: "I know many of you will be thinking I'm mad and as you know I wasn't a cyclist before my stroke I but feel this will be a personal challenge."

To make a donation to Nick's charity appeal go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Cann