HUNDREDS of fundraisers jumped in the saddle yesterday to raise money for charity at the annual St David’s Foundation bike ride.

Men, women and children braved the wet weather to gather at Blaenavon’s Big Pit before setting off on a 26-mile journey across Gwent to finish in Cwmcarn Forest Drive.

Among the riders was an 16-strong team from medical supplier Gyrus Acmi, who took part in the event in memory of their friend and colleague Kevin Ashmead, who crossed the line first in last year’s race.

Mr Ashmead, 46, of Newport, died on February 28 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in July 2005.

He remained active even after his diagnosis maintaining his passion for cycling and completed last year’s course in one hour and 20 minutes.

His widow, Melanie, 47, was there to wave the “Team Kev” off.

She said: “It just makes me so proud that they thought so much of him to do this in his memory.

“This was something that he loved and he would be here now if he was still with us.”

Also taking part was Olympic cyclist Lewis Oliva, from Devauden, who took a break from his intensive training schedule with the under-21 British Olympic Cycling Team to get involved.

Riders set off at around 10.30am from Blaenavon, before travelling through Pontypool, on to Two Locks in Cwmbran, Malpas in Newport, Fourteen Locks at High Cross, through Rogerstone and then on to Risca and Crosskeys before finishing at Cwmcarn Forest Drive.

St David's Foundation Hospice Care provides free specialist care to more than 2,600 people with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses and their families every year in Gwent.