Eleanor cycles 70 @ 70 and raises £1,250
Published on 16 May 2026 11:00 PM
Our trustee Eleanor Sanders has raised an incredible £1,250 after cycling 70 miles along the Taff trail - all to mark her 70th Birthday.
Eleanor’s ‘70@70’ fundraiser more than doubled its original goal of £700, receiving donations from over 65 people, who all supported her gruelling three-day ride.
Eleanor started her fitness journey through the Couch to 5k running programme, but after struggling with a chronic back condition, had to swap out the sprint shoes for a cycling jersey. Not a hugely confident cyclist, Eleanor was looking for a way to fundraise that would challenge her, but also feel achievable, which is when she came up with the idea of using the Taff Trail.
Eleanor said: “Around 11 years ago, I realised how unfit I was and wanted to do something about it. I became quite obsessed with running and was frustrated I hadn’t started years before!
“Sadly, after 5 years of running, all those years of being on my feet as a nurse caught up with me and I developed a chronic back condition. Luckily, I discovered cycling as a worthy substitute!
“I chose the Taff Trail for a few reasons; I cycle that route every week when I head to Bute Park to marshal at the Cardiff Parkrun, so I felt very comfortable taking the route. Plus, the scenery along the trail is absolutely stunning, even in the rain!”
The challenge also celebrated Eleanor turning 70, which was what inspired her to fundraise. Eleanor has been a volunteer with Age Cymru and advocate for the HOPE project, helping older people access services, for two years, and said it is a hugely rewarding experience.
Eleanor said: “My role feels a bit like a bridge connecting older people to the support, companionship, and opportunities they need. Age Cymru is a charity close to my heart, as both a trustee and volunteer advocate with the HOPE project, and it has been a real privilege to get alongside individuals to overcome the issues they might struggle with.”
Eleanor’s message to everyone is to not let age be a barrier to setting new goals: “I was really pleased with how the ride went. My legs didn’t give out, and I gave myself pit stops along the way to look forward to - after so much cycling a coffee and brownie felt well earned!
“My favourite day was absolutely the last where we hit the final 10k. As part of that I cycled the Cardiff Bay Cycle Trail and was joined by my 9 year old granddaughter and husband. It was quite emotional crossing the finish line with them, and I felt very proud to show my granddaughter that if you put your mind to something, you can break through the barriers and achieve some wonderful things.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported me - be it through generous donations or just cheering me along the way! It really made a difference when the trail got tough!”
CEO of Age Cymru, Victoria Lloyd said it was the dedication of trustees like Eleanor that enables the charity to do some of its most important work: “We’re so lucky to have inspiring trustees like Eleanor; It’s the hard work from volunteers like her, and the support from people who donate, that enable us to make a difference in the lives of older people in Wales. I'd like to say I hope Eleanor will now put her feet up and enjoy a few more brownies, but I know she will be back out on her bike soon or thinking of another challenge! We’re so grateful for her support!
Click here to see Eleanor’s fundraising page
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