A GWENT charity fundraiser is taking a dose of his own medicine to help raise funds for two local causes.

Kris Broome, who is usually found exhorting others to take part in a whole range of charity events to help raise funds for St David’s Hospice Care, is getting into the saddle himself for this latest challenge.

Kris, aged 35, of Newport, has signed up as part of 54321 Cymru’s ‘Cycle Challenge 2014’.

The testing European event will see a team of 50 cyclists from South Wales ride some 180 miles through Holland and Belgium, over three days, with a target of raising £50,000 for two charities.

Kris said: “I have been a keen cyclist since I was very young but this challenge is something else. The ride will be the furthest I have ever ridden. I was last coaxed into a fundraising ride back in 2011 which was from north to south Wales. I’m looking forward to it but not as much as I am looking forward to crossing the finishing line at the end.”

Father of two Kris said: “I seem to remember from my geography that Belgium and Holland are fairly level. I’m hoping so as I am OK on the flat but hills are a bit of a struggle.”

Newport businessman Ian Cummings, a co-ordinator of the ride for 54321 Cymru, said: “We’re delighted to be raising money for St David’s Hospice Care this year and the support we have received thus far for the cycle challenge is evidence of the excellent work the hospice achieves. We are gearing up for the ride now and everyone is getting really excited.”

54321 Cymru staged a celebration dinner on St David’s Day this year at the Celtic Manor Resort and raised £23,000 towards the £50,000 target. It is jointly supporting St David’s Hospice Care and ‘For Luca’ in 2014, having raised £26,000 in 2013 for five different local charities.

There are still a few places on the charity ride available.

For more details on the event, how to join or support the event, call Kris Broome on 01633 851051 or visit http://stdavidshospicecare.org/event-details/5-4-3-2-1-cymru-cycle-challenge.

For more information contact Hayley Morton at 54321cymru@gmail.com or Twitter - @54321Cymru