Jones was supported from all over Wales after coming up with the concept of ‘Ryan’s 100 for 100’ which set the challenge of 100 people each aiming to raise £100 by cycling 100 miles at home on a static bike.
The former Wales international had run a marathon in his garden the previous weekend and his latest venture was a rip-roaring success. All the proceeds will go to NHS staff in Wales battling the Coronavirus pandemic.
As of Monday, Jones’ JustGiving page had raised £37,390.54. Each of the other participants raised money for the NHS individually making a grand total way in excess of £40,000.
Ryan Jones before his 100-mile bike ride
Jones said: “It’s been amazing. It was two weeks ago tomorrow I came up with the idea of running the marathon in the garden and that’s where it all started.
“We did the 100 miles on Saturday. We had Gethin Jones and Rhys Williams taking part which was superb and we were very fortunate to have some very popular guests pop in throughout the day.
“We had Leigh Halfpenny, Alun Wyn Jones and George North offering encouragement. There was Wynne Evans, David Flatman, Will Greenwood and Rob Henderson too.
“Sophie Evans did some singing and Dave Roberts – who is one of our members of WRU staff in North Wales – did an impromptu concert which was awesome.”
There is something about sharing things with other people and uniting them and I’m always blown away by the power of the human spirit which sees people go way above the norm to help others.
The riders who took part all logged on to video app Zoom while they were in action and it was there where they received support from the likes of Wales stars Halfpenny, Jones and North.
“We wanted to raise the profile of the need for additional NHS funds and to raise some money to support that,” added Jones.
“There is something about sharing things with other people and uniting them and I’m always blown away by the power of the human spirit which sees people go way above the norm to help others. I wanted to play a part and the uptake from people has been incredible.
“The support came from near and far and from people I knew and people I didn’t.”
Jonathan Davies, deputy head teacher at Ffynnon Taf Primary School in Taff’s Well and opening batsman with Radyr Cricket Club, took part in the event.
My eyes lit up when Ryan posted his new challenge. I didn’t need much persuasion to get involved.
He has raised £2,010 to date – way in excess of his £100 target.
“Since the lockdown started I have been more health conscious,” Davies said.
“Whilst chilling on the sofa I had a scroll through social media and I saw Ryan had just completed a marathon in his garden. Who does that? I do get exercise envy and I thought how amazing it was with the money he had raised. My eyes lit up a couple of days later when Ryan posted his new challenge for the following Saturday. He wanted riders to ride 100 miles for £100.
“I didn’t need much persuasion to get involved, but I did need a bit of equipment to track my miles and find a turbo which keeps the bike stationary. Luckily a friend of mine had all the gear because I had no idea. Once I had donated the £100, I was in. I thought ‘Oh no, what have I done?’
“I put together a JustGiving site on Thursday at 6pm and by bed time my family, friends and connections had already donated over £700. This just shows what the general public think of the NHS staff who are risking their own lives to help others at the moment.
Jonathan Davies taking on Ryan Jones’ ‘100 for 100’ challenge
“The event itself was amazing. I set up the bike and all the technology to ensure Zoom and the mileage sensor worked and some pre-match nerves and a bacon roll passed the time until login commenced. Then I logged on to be greeted by the main man himself while the other riders and a range of special guests kept the spirits high. My internet did have a wobble when Sophie Evans came on, but according to the fellow riders she sang an amazing national anthem.
“The challenge was really tough. I surprised myself up until the 65 to 70 mile mark and was cycling well at an average speed of 20mph. I definitely struggled after that point and my speed decreased considerably. I was taking a pounding in the saddle and the legs were burning.
“My mental state was also struggling due to the elite riders starting to finish. I had great support from my immediate family and my wife Ceri was superb. She was in charge of social media, food supplies and general banter. All of these roles she smashed and I can’t thank her enough.
“I’m really chuffed I got to take part in the event. The NHS are truly special and the selflessness they show day in, day out is immense. Thank you to Ryan who has raised so much money and thank you for the donations I’ve received.”
Jones plans to continue his remarkable fundraising effort in the weeks to come.
Ryan Jones of the WRU
He explained: “I’ve got a few more things planned and this weekend I’m doing what I’m calling ‘Ryan’s mile in their shoes’. I was reading a really interesting article about the distance nurses cover on their 12-hour shifts. I’m trying to get everyone to walk a mile on Saturday whether they’re young or old or outside or in their living room to raise more funds if possible.
“I like the community feel and I’m conscious some of the things we do are too big a leap for some people. If we can get everyone walking a mile this weekend it would be great.
“The next couple of challenges won’t be as easy if I can get my hands on a treadmill! I’m a big believer in the only limitations we have are the ones we put on ourselves. Who would have thought before all this you could run a marathon in your garden? No one has a 26-mile garden!
“We’re all capable of so much more and periods like this bring out the best in people. I think it’s magic. Some of the messages I’ve received from the community have been amazing. A local nurse who I don’t know and have never met knocked the door while I was doing the marathon.
“She came to say thank you, popped into my life, and left. It was heart-warming. You just hope some good comes from this awful situation and we’re the better for it.”
