Emergency Services workers, Tom Walker and Dan Rawson, have cycled 300 miles from Bridlington to Morecambe and then onto Whitby in the space of just two days to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
The pair have raised funds in memory of 16-year-old Nick Walker, who passed away in 2009 after a tragic accident on his way to school.
Speaking before the cycle ride, Tom said: “It will be a huge challenge, far surpassing the furthest we have both cycled in one day and then doing it all again on the second day!”
The amount of £100,000 represents the total fundraised since Nick’s death as a schoolboy.
Nick Walker
Tom added: “£100,000 is a lovely milestone to reach, and while we are all proud of the good work over the years, it has never really been about the amount we have raised.”
Over the years, the fundraising efforts have contributed towards several appeals including the Kids Scanner Appeal as well as sponsoring bedrooms in the new Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
A spokesperson from Sheffield Children’s Hospital said: “The money raised from the latest challenge will support our appeal to build a new Helipad on the roof of the Emergency Department at the hospital.
“Currently, they can only land in daylight hours in the park opposite the hospital and then have to be stretchered across the busy A57 by police escort, which causes delays at a crucial time.”
On the impact of the fundraiser Tom said: “Nick never received treatment himself at Sheffield Children’s, but our fundraising efforts have always been in support of the hospital as they perform incredible life-changing work every day.
“The efforts of people coming together for Nick help us keep his memory alive so we will just keep ticking along and see where it takes us.”
The fundraising group, known as the Nick Walker Memorial Team, have raised over £1,000 in this latest coast-to-coast cycle event. Their contributions have been commemorated at the Children’s Hospital with the recent erection of donor recognition plaques.
Donations to the fundraiser go directly to The Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
The link to donate is here.
