Charity bike ride sees Jones Bros sub-agent pedal for a purpose30th Jun 2025

“It’s a truly great cause, and knowing that gave us the motivation to keep going.”

These are the words of Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK sub-agent Gruffydd Rowlands who has completed a 540km cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity.

The 27-year-old took on the four-day challenge alongside fellow Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Wales Foundation Group members Sam Knowles and Jack Little.

The trio’s efforts raised more than £19,000, which will provide vital financial aid for people aged 15-35 in Wales diagnosed with cancer.

Showcasing its support for the ride, Jones Bros and sister company Cambrian sponsored jerseys and shorts.

Gruffydd said: “The support we’ve received has been amazing and will make a real difference and I’m thankful to all our backers who helped make this event possible.

“It wasn’t always plain sailing, as one of my teammates had to temporarily use a substitute bike after a puncture, but I’m proud that we overcame these hurdles as a group and reached our final destination.”

CECA Wales Foundation Group members Rebecca Lloyd and Jordan Williams were on-hand to provide Gruff and the team water and food supplies from the support van.

With each segment lasting between eight and nine hours and temperatures reaching more than 40 degrees, Gruffydd was spurred on by the positive impact the money raised will have on young people’s lives.

He continued: “It’s a truly great cause and knowing that gave us the motivation to keep going despite the challenges.

“With our time on the foundation group drawing to a close, it’s been brilliant to take on such a physically and mentally demanding trial and, having raised a fantastic amount so far, we are hoping to increase the total sum ahead of the upcoming CECA Wales summer lunch this July.”

Eirlys Edwards, Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity founder and CEO, said: “We were astounded by the effort and commitment shown by the CECA Wales Foundation Group.

“We followed the cycle ride on social media and saw the immense effort they all put into it and the money raised will mean that the charity will now increase the amount of money given to each young person in Wales with cancer who is eligible for support.

“A huge thank you to this truly inspiring team of young people.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.