CYCLING star Geraint Thomas invited friends to his Chepstow wedding venue for a charity auction.

The Tour de France winner was joined by rugby players George North and Rupert Moon and 120 guests for a lavish meal and auction at St Tewdrics House on December 20.

Among the lots were a signed yellow jersey from Geraint Thomas, a signed New Zealand rugby shirt from Dan Carter, VIP tickets to see Elton John's Cardiff concert, and VIP tickets for the 2019 Tour de France.

The auction raised more than £26,000, which will be divided equally between Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Bowel Cancer UK.

Thomas, who was recently crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2018, said: “We have chosen to unite with Alzheimer's Society as my wife Sara’s taid (grandfather) passed away in 2011 after suffering two mini-strokes and dementia.

"More recently, Megan – one of our wedding coordinators – lost her nan to the disease.

"Together we’re determined to make a difference and raise money in every way we can.

“We hope through our dinner and auction we'll make a difference to people affected by dementia.

"We've wanted to hold a charity event for some time and we hope it'll be an annual event that we carry on doing for many years.”

Sue Phelps, country director for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru says: “We are delighted that Geraint Thomas and the staff at St Tewdrics have chosen to host this fabulous event.

"Their support will help us continue to campaign for change, fund research to find a cure, and support people living with dementia.

“There are currently 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales – that number is set to rise to 100,000 by 2055.

"Anyone affected can access our Dementia Connect service, where you can talk to a dedicated dementia expert for practical advice and information.

"We also provide a Side by Side service which matches people with dementia with dedicated volunteers, enabling them to keep doing the things they love."

To contact Alzheimer's Society Cymru, call the charity's dementia helpline on 0300 2221122 or 03300 947400 (Welsh language) or visit alz

heimers.org.uk