Penwortham man to tackle challenging cycle for vital NHS charity

The 'Fred Whitton Challenge' would normally consist of a 113-mile route around the Lake District, starting at Grasmere and taking in the climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Harknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes.

The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that the Fred Whitton Challenge has been cancelled for 2020, leaving David and 10 of his friends to tackle the feat together as they raise donations for Baby Beat.

David, from Penwortham, will be taking on the challenge on September 12, in memory of Harper Barden, the daughter of his friends Mark and Amy Barden who sadly passed away.

David said: “I am no stranger to a difficult challenge in the name of a good cause, and I am really looking forward to this one. I recently managed to raise £3,000 for NHS Charities Together by completing the Everest Challenge on the stairs and I am hoping to see the same success for this one, so that I can show my continued support for the NHS.

"My friend Mark pointed me in the direction of Baby Beat, and I will be completing the challenge in honour of his daughter Harper, who we sadly lost. I’d be really grateful to anyone who could show some support, even in small amounts."

Cathy Skidmore, Temporary Manager at Baby Beat, said: “This is such a big event, and one that we definitely don’t envy David for tackling. We are so grateful to him and to all of his friends participating for their support, as any funds raised will go a long way to improving things for mothers and babies on our maternity units."

Baby Beat is a local registered charity established over 30 years ago that raises vital funds for the maternity units and neo natal intensive care unit, which are part of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

To support David, visit his Just Giving page.