A disabled cyclist is set to take on a Lake Vyrnwy cycling challenge in order to raise money for his college this summer.

Derwen College student Mackenzie Beeson and supporting staff and students will be cycling the entire distance around Lake Vyrnwy on his adapted bike on Sunday, July 7, in an event known as ‘Mack’s Challenge’.

The 12-mile ride will coincide with the start of the Tour de France and hopes to attract cycling fans to come along and support on the day.

Mackenzie, from Gwynedd, has speech and language difficulties and learning difficulties, but college staff say he has never allowed his disabilities to hinder his ambitions. He has a love of cycling on his specially adapted bike, and a determination to prove that anything is possible.

Mackenzie’s father Shane Beeson says that Mack has never let anything hold him back.

He said: “His first ride charity bike when he was school was a 39-mile cycle from Newtown to Aberdyfi. In summer 2017 he cycled a gruelling 99 miles over five days. As a family, we have always wanted to highlight Mack’s abilities rather than his disabilities, and he has always challenged himself in all his endeavours.

“We are pleased to be able to take part in this challenge and to raise money for Derwen College.”

In a warm-up event held this week, Derwen College staff and students cycled the distance to Lake Vyrnwy and back in training, taking turns to clock up the 65 miles from Derwen College to Lake Vyrnwy, around the lake and back – on a static bike.

The event at the College’s Garden Centre hopes to raise funds and awareness ahead of student Mackenzie Beeson’s main sponsored cycle ride this summer.

Mackenzie will be raising funds for Derwen College and making a donation to inclusive cycling charity Wheels For All who are supporting the project.