Two brothers yesterday evening arrived in a sun-bleached Cardiff Bay and celebrated the climax of a 254-mile cycle in memory of a friend.

Aled and Gwilym Hopkin, from Llanharry, rode from Holyhead to the steps of the Senedd in five days to raise funds to combat Sudden Cardiac Death Syndrome. 

Aled's best friend and housemate, Gareth Thomas, from Llantrisant, died at 21 from an undiagnosed heart condition in February 2007.  He went to bed and never woke up.

the syndrome claims the lives of around 12 otherwise healthy people under 35 each week. 

Gareth's parents, Anne and Trefor Thomas, launched a memorial fund to support the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, and the epic cycle ride has so far raised around £1,500. 

The brothers were welcomed by about 30 friends and family at Senedd.  They had averaged 50 miles a day, and were accompanied by their father, Owen, who brought a caravan. 

He said: "It was great bonding for the three of us." 

Aled, who had known Gareth since the age of four and studied alongside him at Aberystwyth University before moving with him to Cardiff, is about to start teaching at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Alta in Ystrad Mynach. 

Donations can be made at the brothers' Just Giving page justgiving.com/lonlascym-ruchallenge