Pembrokeshire farming couple takes bull by the horns in family fund raiser for talented singers
A Pembrokeshire farming couple will be taking the bull firmly by the horns next month after agreeing to take part in one of the toughest cycling challenges in Wales' cycling calendar – the Carten100.
Mark and Caroline Davies – who run the 265-acre dairy farm at New House, Little Newcastle – have agreed to do the 108-mile cycle to raise funds for 'Anna's Song', which is a charity set up in memory of Caroline's 13-year-old niece who died in a swimming tragedy in Florida in 2024.
'When my sister, Liz, first mentioned that she'd be cycling the Carten100 to raise funds for 'Anna's Song', I started googling it and decided it would be a good idea to take part too,' explained Caroline. 'Liz did it five or six years ago, but when I told them about my idea to take part too, they all laughed!'
But a week later, Caroline received a road bike, complete with a helmet, from Liz's husband Pete, who is himself a highly accomplished cyclist.
'Pete had every faith in me, and this has helped to spur me on and start training for an event that I never imagined would be possible.'
Last December Caroline's husband, Mark, decided that he, too, would take part in the Carten100 which extends from Cardiff city centre to Cowbridge, Swansea, Llanelli, Burry Port, Carmarthen, St Clears and Tavernspite before finally terminating at Tenby Harbour.
But with around 400 head of cattle to manage as well as three young daughters aged 11, 7 and 2, the couple's training schedule has been challenging..
'It goes without saying that our lives are very hectic, but we're managing to find time to either get out onto the roads or have half and hour on the turbo,' continued Caroline, 'Obviously turbo training can be pretty boring, but at least there's a little wild rabbit who comes out into the garden which I can watch which helps relieve the monotony.
'This morning I managed to do half an hour and I'lll be doing another 30 minutes later this evening. Over the weekend we'll be going out for a much longer ride, but this takes a lot of planning. The vet is coming out for a routine visit first thing on Saturday morning, I've got a meeting scheduled for later that day and then we have to make sure we have a babysitter on hand to look after the children.
'And when we get back from the ride, it's back on with the wellies to do some more farming.'
'Anna's Song' was launched following Anna Beaumont's tragic death in May, 2024. The 13-year-old was a highly accomplished singer, who had performed extensively with Only Kids Aloud and Only Girls Aloud on platforms across the UK as well as at Disneyland, Paris, and St Davids Hall in Cardiff. The charity is raising funds to help support talented teenage singers with professionally led workshops, live events and partnerships to help them pursue a career in singing.
'The first workshop was held at the end of March at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and the feedback we've had from the families of the six young people who took part has been phenomenal,' said Caroline.
'The charity's aim is to offer opportunities to inspire young singers by hosting workshops, events and mentorships.'
Meanwhile, with just three weeks to go before the Carten 100 takes place on May 10, Caroline and Mark are doing everything they can to step-up their training regime so they can complete the challenge together with Liz, Pete and their son, Jake Beaumont who, at 12 years old, will be one of the youngest cyclists taking part.
'Now that it's getting closer, the stress levels are definitely starting to kick in, and it's getting to the point where I'm beginning to wonder whether it might be easier to sit all my A' levels again,' laughs Caroline.
'There's no way that I would be doing the Carten100 if it wasn't for the family circumstances, and at the end of the day, I'm determined not to fail. Mark and I are doing absolutely everything we can to ensure our fitness levels are capable of completing it, and I know that once we set off from Cardiff on May 10, the adrenaline is going to kick in. All we want to do is help to boost 'Anna's Song' just that little bit more.'
If you would like to make a donation to Anna's Song, click on the link.
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