Three siblings to cycle 300km across Yorkshire in memory of their mum
They're looking to raise money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds
Last updated 26th Jun 2023
Three siblings are set to begin a 300 kilometre charity cycle ride across Yorkshire in memory of their mum.
Sally Richards died just six months ago after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Her children, Ben Richards, 45, Joe Richards, 43, and Emily Letch, 41, are taking on the challenge to raise money for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, where their mum received palliative care in the last six weeks of her life.
The Tour de Sally will see the trio set off from Whitby today and stop at every house she lived in over the course of her life, including Bradford where she was born. They will also make a special stop at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.
Ben said: "The cancer, as is often the case, had metastasised into her brain and although we had no idea how long mum had left, Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice were there for her and for us. The level of care was beyond anything we could have ever expected and as a family, we are incredibly grateful for their support in those last days and weeks.
"We hope to reach the finish line at Sheffield on Wednesday 28th June, having passed through York, Hebden Bridge, Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield along the way. The total route is 300km and not all of us are cyclists, so the challenge is real!
"For us, this cycle is a way of processing our grief and channelling it into something productive. I think it will be emotional, especially on the day when we visit the hospice and then cycle to Woodhouse, which is the place where we have such happy childhood memories with mum.
"She would be really embarrassed if she knew we were making such a fuss about her by doing this, but I think she’d be incredibly proud too."
The siblings are hoping to raise around £3,000 to support Sue Ryder's palliative care and bereavement support.
Ben added: "All the staff at the hospice helped us through those last moments with our mum and this is a small way we can repay some of the support and kindness. We would be very grateful for any donations – big or small – to support this amazing charity which is so close to our hearts."
To donate, visit their fundraising page.