The son of a Tywyn man trampled by cows has completed a 968-mile cycle to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Stephen Day said the charity was instrumental in saving his dad’s life when he was trampled by cows six years ago.

The John O'Groats to Land's End challenge from 2-11 August tested Stephen, but he completed it and raised thousands.

“I’m completely blown away by everyone’s generosity and still can’t quite believe that, together, we’ve raised over £5,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance,” he said.

“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of my family and the army of people who have been behind me every pedal stroke of the way.

“To every single person who has supported me, donated, shared my journey, or helped in any way — thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 

“Your kindness and generosity have been truly incredible, and I’ll never forget the support you’ve shown me.

“This has been an unforgettable journey, made even more special by all of you. Thank you.” 

Stephen’s family moved to Tywyn in 1998. On 12 August 2020, Kieran walked the family dogs on leads from his back gate on the public footpath through a livestock field. The cow herd was inland but upon his return a sea mist rolled in and he realised he could no longer see the animals. He heard a cow bellowing and assumed she had become separated from her calf. As he turned toward the sound she emerged from the mist and charged at him.

He let the dogs go as she hit him in the chest, knocked him over and started kicking him.

Though seriously injured, he managed to call 999.

Meanwhile, Kate noticed the dogs at the gate and went to find Kieran.

“I saw the cows in a circle and knowing how inquisitive they could be thought Kieran may be on the ground.

“I went down the path, found him severely injured and took over his phone call with the emergency services whilst calling the farmer on my own phone to come and take care of the cows,” Kate recalls.

Kieran suffered multiple injuries but recovered well. In September 2022 he challenged himself and a group of fellow-ex and serving Paratroopers to cycle from Hook of Holland to Arnhem and back (100 miles each way), raising over £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance. Stephen wanted to raise some money too.

Kate said: “Stephen did it, despite rain and a thunder storm in Scotland and the latest heatwave, several route amendments due to roadworks and bridge closures and three mechanical failures.”

The family thanked two independent cycle shops for immediate repairs and Hunt cycles for arranging next day delivery of a set of replacement custom built wheels.

Stephen cycled 100 miles a day for nine days, and 72 miles on the final day.

“The total raised for the Air Ambulance so far is over £5,000 with a little more still promised,” Kate added. 

“We are so very proud of him.”