Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, based in Shrewsbury, has always been proud to work with and support the local community through fundraising activities and sponsorship.  

Later this month the firm is pleased to lend its support to Shropshire barrister Janet Pitt-Lewis when she takes on the challenge of the British Heart Foundation Brighton to London night bike ride.

Janet, who is based at Cornwall Street Chambers in Birmingham, originally entered the event for fun as she enjoys cycling, intending to simply donate to the British Heart Foundation rather than requesting any sponsorship.

Poignantly, that changed in April when Janet lost a good friend, Carl Edwards, very suddenly to heart disease.  

Carl was a talented athlete. As head boy at Bishops Castle Grammar School, he won the school sports cup every year, and represented the RAF as an athlete while completing his National Service.  

Having spent some training at Old Trafford, Carl was offered the opportunity of joining Manchester United as they rebuilt their team following the Munich Air Crash, but instead he decided to take up the offer of a place at Loughborough College to train as a PE teacher.

As well as teaching, Carl was involved in mentoring young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and was leader of Newtown Youth Club.

He had a long connection with football in Mid Wales, playing for and managing Caersws and Newtown, coaching and becoming a referee.  

He was always an ardent Liverpool supporter – and a supporter of Rhayader under 11s for whom his grandson Archie plays.

In the 1970s Carl and his wife Ann moved to Beilli Neuadd near Rhayader. Carl played cricket for Rhayader, initiated the Gwastedyn Hill race and the annual Carnival week.  

He was a stalwart of Long Distance walking in Mid Wales, founder of the Cwmhir Christmas Cracker walk, the Monks Trod, the Rhayader Mountain Trail and re-launched the Reservoir Roundabout.

Carl died of heart disease suddenly while leading a walk in the Elan Valley on 13 April 2012, and it is now in his memory that Janet will be cycling. 

Lanyon Bowdler is proud to support Janet in her fundraising efforts on 26 May, and wish her a safe and successful journey.  

To support Janet and donate to the British Heart Foundation, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Janet-Pitt-Lewis

It is only hoped that the weather improves for Janet before she starts!