the Gran Fondo Cymru (Cyclo Sportive, Bala, Snowdonia, North Wales)

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The Gran Fondo Cymru
The Gran Fondo Cymru was organised by Jonnie Woodall with the help of volunteers and family, from 2006 to 2008. The event quickly became one of the most popular non-comercial U.K. Sportives, through a combination of Jonnie's drive and vision, the enthusiasm of participants and helpers - and a great course around Bala in Snowdonia, North Wales.	R.i.P. Jonnie - You will be sadly missed BBC News Story Tribute from i-Team.cc, Jonnie's Cycling Club Any updates will be posted on this site
Jonnie was tragically killed before the 2009 event and the event funds were placed in probate until an inquest was completed in October.
Most of those who met Jonnie through riding or helping with the GFC will remember his enthusiasm for cycling - but this was just a small part of his amazing life in sport that included sailing, being a record holder on the Cresta Run, President of the Bob Skeleton Association and so much more.
Looking to the Future - a message from Guy Watson, webmaster for granfondocymru.org.uk:
Since Jonnie died, I've been in a difficult position trying to do what I could Jonnie Woodall's family deal with what has happened to the GFC in the aftermath of his fatal accident. Like other's in i-Team.cc, my involvement was as a volunteer, helping a friend realise his great idea for the GFC, (I paid to enter this year as it was going to be my first attempt at getting all the way around the course.) As well as assisting on the day of the event, I also volunteered to be his webmaster for granfondocymru.org.uk, so up to now, I have been the one who has acted as a point of contact for this event, while Jonnie's family have had to deal with the aftermath of his death. Jonnie's Widow, Patricia, has only recently been able to access the event funds and she will be working her way through everything. I have passed on all of your messages of sympathy and that many of the 2009 entrants wished their entry fees to go to Jonnie's nominated charities. Also I passed on to her that some had enquired about if refunds were available and she has requested that any requests are submitted to her in writing: Patricia Woodall South Mytton House Montford Bridge Shrewsbury SY4 1EU Patricia has also indicated that it would have been Jonnie's wish to promote the event again in the future, in one form or other (possibly as an Audax initially,) and that his family would like to stay involved in some way.

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