Greek Cypriot Laz Lazarou was born in 1952 in the small town of Kornos near Larnaca and arrived in Cardiff in 1960. Since moving to those shores, he and his siblings have worked very hard to establish a number of successful hair salons in and around the Cardiff area. As a result of this, Laz has become involved with and helped raise money for a number of local charities over the years. He recently decided that he wanted to go one step further and really make a difference by putting his body on the line to help raise a significant amount of money for a cause that is very close to his heart.

Next month Laz will be cycling almost 400km in 5 days to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Hospital in Cardiff. Starting at Yosemite National Park and finishing at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, together with a group of over 50 fundraisers including five former Welsh rugby captains, this challenge will require them to cycle across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, averaging over 70km and 8 to 9 hours in the saddle per day. Laz alone has raised £6,000 towards a staggering group total of £300,000.

“Unfortunately Cancer is an illness that has affected us all,” said Laz. “I lost my dear mother to Cancer many years ago and it was during that sad time that I got to see and appreciate the commitment of all the staff at Velindre hospital and the immense service and help that they offer the local and wider community in South Wales. I want to complete this challenge to show my thanks and support for Velindre Hospital. This challenge will provide them with much needed funds that they can use to continue their great work for many years to come.”

If anyone wishes to donate to this worthwhile campaign, please visit www.justgiving/lazlazarou.com