Harper on his bike at Cory

Philip Harper will be back in the saddle to lead the Cory peloton challenge to raise funds to help the Welsh Champions head to Utrecht.

Philip Harper will lead the way on the first leg to Utrecht

Friday, 19 January 2018

After successfully raising over £3,000 last year to help Cory Band compete at the European Championships, the brass band biking enthusiasts of the Welsh champion will undertake the same feat once again to propel the band on their journey to Utrecht in May — led by Band President Morgan Jones and Musical Director Philip Harper.

Personal goal

Philip told 4BR: "The financial help which the initiative provided last year was invaluable. We were of course delighted to qualify to represent Wales once again this year, but it left us with the usual financial headache.

As well as raising money for the band, last year's challenge was a great personal goal for us all, and so we decided to do it all again."

Meanwhile, Morgan added: "The only issue is that Utrecht is about 150 miles further than last year's destination of Ostend, so we're going to need to train even harder to go the distance. The only good news for us is that unlike the Rhondda valleys, those 150 extra miles are pretty flat."

First 80 miles

Philip Harper will don the yellow jersey as tour leader for the first 80 miles, as he will cycle from his home in Gloucestershire to the Cory bandroom on Monday 30th April.

He will then hand over the pedals to Morgan alongside his fellow cycle-club enthusiasts Arwel Griffiths, Paul Williams and Carwyn Jones, who will set off on the 500 mile trip to Utrecht on Tuesday 1st May, aiming to arrive in time for the beginning of the contest at 4.00pm on Friday 4th May.

Any pledges, however small, would be much appreciated so if you want to show your support please make a donation on the website. If we win we may ask the lads to cycle back with the trophy!Cory MD, Philip Harper

Campaign fund

A campaign fund has already been started on the band's funding page website justgiving.com at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/philip-harper2

Phil added: "Any pledges, however small, would be much appreciated so if you want to show your support please make a donation on the website. If we win we may ask the lads to cycle back with the trophy!"

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