Phil is one of our 2026 team taking on our Wales adventure, Lôn Las Cymru. For him, riding on Lôn Las Cymru is about doing something worthwhile in support of a cause that has become close to his heart.
Originally from Manchester and now living in Salford, Phil works as a Business Analyst for a healthcare provider, helping teams use data to improve services and patient outcomes. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him enjoying live music, doing some photography, travelling, or out on his bike.
When MS Became Part of Phil’s Life
Multiple sclerosis entered Phil’s life through his wife’s diagnosis. Like many families affected by MS, the journey did not begin with clear answers. It was a difficult period which was filled with lots of medical tests and uncertainty about what was to come.
What made it even harder was the timing. Much of his wife’s journey to a relapsing-remitting MS diagnosis took place during the COVID lockdowns. Restrictions meant Phil could not attend appointments or tests with his wife. While they were both living through the same uncertainty, much of the medical side of it had to be faced by her alone. When the diagnosis finally came, it brought some clarity, but also opened up a new set of questions. “You’re suddenly thinking about the future in a very different way”.
Thankfully, Phil’s wife has been in remission for some time now, something they are both hugely grateful for. But as anyone close to MS knows, remission does not mean the condition simply disappears. “Day to day, there are still decisions shaped by symptoms, medication, and energy levels. It’s something that’s always there in the background”.
Adapting to that reality for Phil and his family has been a gradual process of learning, rethinking plans and constantly adjusting their normal together. “Learning what good days look like, adjusting plans, and figuring out how to keep life feeling normal while also accepting that things have changed”.
Choosing to Do More Than Donate
Phil knew he wanted to support the MS community in a way that felt active and personal. Donating matters, of course, but he wanted to do something that would go beyond that, something that would challenge him, create conversations, and help raise awareness as well as funds. Cycling has always been a big part of his life, “so combining it with a meaningful cause felt like a natural fit”.
“Bike the UK for MS stood out because it’s not just a ride. It’s a bigger challenge, and a shared experience with people who understand why it matters.”
For Phil, raising awareness is just as important as fundraising. MS is often misunderstood, particularly because so much of its impact is invisible from the outside. “People often don’t see the day-to-day reality. The fatigue, the unpredictability, the impact it has beyond the obvious, sharing our story is a way of making that visible”. The fundraising side is also so important for Phil and his family, with the support services, research, and community around MS which all rely on people getting involved and donating.
Why Lôn Las Cymru?
Cycling was the natural choice for Phil. It is something he’s always enjoyed. It offered a way to help a worthwhile cause which has now become personal to him.
Becoming a Lôn Las Cymru rider also appealed to him because it is no small undertaking. Riding the length of Wales is the kind of challenge that asks a lot of you. It demands preparation, commitment, and, in Phil’s words, “a bit of stubbornness.”
“It’s a chance to do something memorable, in a great setting, alongside people who all have their own reasons for being there. That combination makes it more than just a ride.”
What He Hopes riding Lôn Las Cymru Will Mean
Of course, crossing the finish line matters. But what Phil hopes to take away from the experience goes beyond the sense of achievement. “A sense that I’ve done something that actually matters for people living with MS”.
There is also the value of the experience itself. “It’s the people you meet, the stories you hear, and knowing you’ve contributed in some way”.
“If this ride gets a few more people talking about it, understanding it, or donating, then it’s worth it’.
Looking Ahead
As Phil prepares to ride Lôn Las Cymru, his story is a reminder of why these rides are so important and how they’re so much more than just the distance covered. For Phil, this ride is a way of supporting his wife and raising awareness and funds for a condition which has largely affected his family.
Want to support Phil with his fundraising efforts? Donate to his profile here.
