A LEADING figure in North Wales rugby took part in a gruelling challenge to raise money for the National Health Service.

Marc Roberts, who holds the position of Welsh Rugby Union Regional Manager for North Wales, was part of the huge initiative organised by WRU performance director and former national team captain Ryan Jones.

This involved cycling 100 miles from the comfort of Mr Roberts’ own home on Saturday, April 11, something he managed to achieve in a time of four hours, 19 minutes and six seconds.

His individual fundraising efforts managed to contribute £1,200 from an initial target of £700 towards the cause, which has raised an outstanding more than £35,000 for Support NHS Wales.

The money will be used to purchase vital equipment for NHS, with resources significantly tested due to their ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Jones, said: “Like many I am confined to my home and as this situation continues to play out before me, I am just amazed at the strength of the human spirit and the generosity of so many.

“Those giving of their time not because it’s a job but because they care, those putting at risk their own health because they truly care; you truly are am inspiration and I just want to support them.”

The fundraiser was live streamed on the Zoom App, with the charity initiative gaining a significant amount of support from across the country.

Jones won 75 Wales caps, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005 and then again as captain in 2008 and 2012.

He held the record for the highest number of games as Wales skipper - 33 - until that was surpassed by Sam Warburton in 2015.

This is the second charity event put on by the former Wales skipper in recent weeks, with Jones’ garden marathon also raising considerable funds for the cause.