Friends and team-mates of late Wales rugby international Matthew J Watkins today honoured him in the most inspirational way on what would have been his 42nd birthday.
Former Wales stars Shane Williams and Alix Popham were among the riders who cycled 150km, visiting the clubs Watkins played for during his distinguished career.
The ride began at Parc y Scarlets and headed to the Liberty Stadium, then to the Principality Stadium, Rodney Parade, Pontllanfraith RFC and finished at Oakdale Rugby club where Watkins' sons now play and where he helped out as a coach.
Watkins' young sons Tal and Sior greeted the riders at Pontllanfraith, joining them for the final leg of the ride to Oakdale, alongside the club's under 13s side and the children of some of the other riders.
Tal previously bravely led Oakdale U-13s out onto the field in honour of his father shortly after his death.
Former Scarlets, Gloucester and Dragons centre Watkins, affectionately known as 'MJ', was capped 18 times by Wales before retiring in 2011. He was diagnosed with a rare form of pelvic cancer in 2013 and died in March this year.
Such was his popularity, his funeral was streamed live online during lockdown, with only close family members allowed to attend in person.
During his illness, Watkins did much fundraising himself for Velindre, helping others through his relentlessly positive attitude even in the darkest of times.
Ahead of the ride, former Wales and Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins spoke to the riders about Watkins, describing him as "a warrior and a leader".
Friend Gareth Taylor said: "He meant a lot to all of us. He was a great friend, a great father, husband ans son. Velindre was very close to his heart and today was about raising money for them and also remembering MJ."
The group have raised more than £14,000 so far.
You can donate to the cause here.
