A team of cyclists are planning to cycle the Trans Pennine Trail to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as a thank you for the care of six-year-old Lymm boy Jake Cullen who was born with Spina Bifida.
Jake was born with Spina Bifida in October 2013 at 32 weeks and has been under the care of Alder Hey Children’s hospital since then.
He is now six-years-old and so far in his life he has already endured several operations and continuously needs to attend many hospital appointments. A situation which unfortunately will be ongoing throughout his life.
Jake also faces many other challenges on a day to day basis which he copes with without complaint.
The team, who are planning to do the ride from August 21-23, COVID-19 restrictions permitting, had been planning to raise £1,000 but have already achieved over £1,400 in donations
Jake’s dad Mike said: “He really is an exceptional and inspirational young boy who always has a smile on his face and despite limitations with his own health, he works hard to enjoy life and make people around him happy.
He makes everybody so proud.
“Alder Hey Hospital has been pivotal in improving Jake’s quality of life and the care he receives (not to mention the far too many other children receiving vital care there) is second to none.
“We want to give something back to the hospital that has and still is providing essential medical care for Jake.”
The Challenge will involve cycling the Trans Pennine Trail in three days covering 215 miles.
The ride will see the team taking on the terrors of the Woodhead Pass over the Pennines, the headwinds of the flat plains between Doncaster and Hull.
Riding will be mostly on disused rail lines.
Day one will see them doing just over 80 miles to reach the foot of the Pennines.
Day two the climb and ride across the top via Pennistone before descending towards Doncaster and stopping overnight in Selby.
Day three across the wide open vistas of East Yorkshire before tackling the dangers of East Hull and the final run for the finish line in Hornsea.
Mike added: “This will be our first time taking on such a demanding task and this experience will be both challenging and hopefully incredibly rewarding for us.
The Team
Mike Cullen
Jack Harper
Richard Mcevoy
Reece Forrest
Lee Thomas
Gavin Murrell
Sam Murrell
Sean Neary
Donations can be made online here https://www.gofundme.com/f/acausewecareabout
