David’s Story

I have supported St Ann’s Hospice for over 10 years as my family has had a very strong connection with them. I am taking on this challenge to raise much-need money for the charity.

I have always loved cycling, but in the last few years I was committed to my work, so I’m glad to be getting back into cycling and catching up with where I left off!

My dad died from a brain tumour and was cared for at St Ann’s Hospice at the Little Hulton site in August 2012.

I raised funds straight away after this for the hospice and the following year for a brain tumour charity.

I want to take on a challenge now that it’s been 10 years since my dad was a patient at St Ann’s Hospice to support them with the vital services they provide across Greater Manchester.

On Sunday 30^th April many supporters of St Ann’s Hospice like me are embarking on their greatest challenge yet as they cycle one of the Tour de Manc routes.

The race takes in the sights of Greater Manchester and invites all of us to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere at this event, all while fundraising St Ann’s Hospice.

With four routes spanning from 50km to 200km, there are a variety of distances to suit riders of all abilities – the Quarter Manc 50km, Half Manc 100km, Classic Full Manc 100 miles, and Mad Manc 200km.

I’m taking on the Mad Manc challenge, starting in Middleton and cycling around Manchester city centre, Stockport, up to Rochdale, across to Bolton and back to down to finish in Middleton.

All money I raise will go towards the hospice’s Build It Together campaign, raising money to build the new hospice that they’re so desperately in need of at the Heald Green site.

I have been training in all weathers for the race as it isn’t for the faint-hearted. I’ve cycled large distances in the past often in summer time, so with the race being in April I have no idea whether to expect sun or snow!

I set myself the target of raising £500 which I have already exceeded, so I’m now hoping to raise £700 by the time of the race. I know how important the hospice is for so many people across Greater Manchester, so I’m really pushing to raise as much as possible.

I had no experience of hospices before my dad was a patient at St Ann’s, I really dreaded going there at first but I quickly realised I had no reason to. Hospices are lovely places, everyone there is supportive and really wants to help you. The staff can’t do enough for you and that’s something my family and I won’t forget.

We all have a connection with St Ann’s Hospice which is sad in one way, but also a lovely way to bring us together to remember my dad and support the charity that helped us so much.

Sign up for your place at the Tour de Manc with St Ann’s Hospice at www.sah.org.uk/tdm

If you have any questions about the event or would like to sign up, you can contact St Ann’s Hospice’s Events Team at events@sah.org.uk or call them on 0161 498 3631.