A COUPLE from Beanacre are in training for an epic tandem bike ride, to raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West.
Theresa and Paul Darby will be cycling in memory of Paul’s son, Leo, who died at the age of 11 in 2015 from a brain tumour. Leo was cared for at Charlton Farm Hospice in Bristol, which is run by the charity the couple are supporting.
The 215-mile cycle route will take them from the hospice in Bristol to Little Harbour Hospice in St Austell, Cornwall, taking in the Mendips and the summits of Exmoor and Bodmin Moor on the way. The couple will embark on their challenge across three days in July. They have set themselves a fundraising target of £2,000 and have so far raised over £500.
“We are doing the ride to raise much-needed funds to support children and their families at the worst of times,” explains Theresa, who works as a physio for the Melksham NHS community team. “Paul’s son, Leo, was cared for and died at Charlton Farm in 2015. I am so very grateful to the hospice for getting Paul and his family through this most terrible time. I wasn’t lucky enough to meet Leo, but he remains a huge part of our family now too.
“I am all too aware that we can never predict the future or sadly when any of us may be unfortunate enough to need support from our local hospice. Please, please give what you can to help us continue their amazing work.”
To support Theresa and Paul and donate to Children’s Hospice South West, visit: www.justgiving.com/ team/teamtandemforLeo