Macclesfield: Gawsworth businessman’s bikeathon in memory of late in-law
A bike-mad businessman is to cycle one million metres in May, in memory of his late father-in-law.
Manuka Money Co-CEO Darren Smith, who works in Gawsworth, is doing the mega fundraiser to raise money for a Macclesfield charity.
Darren wants to cycle one million metres this month to raise money for East Cheshire Hospice.
Darren is pedalling in honour of his late father-in-law Brian Barker, who passed away earlier this year.
"In January this year, me and my colleagues at Manuka Money decided what charities we were going to raise for", said Darren.
"I had discussions with my father-in-law about the work he did collecting Christmas trees for East Cheshire Hospice, so we decided to raise money for them.
"I was going to cycle to Belgium and back, but unfortunately my father-in-law passed away a few days before the trip, and I never got the opportunity to raise money. But I did make a commitment to Luke Oldham [Corporate Fundraiser at East Cheshire Hospice].
"I spoke to Luke and agreed we would carry on with a fundraising event. So I worked out roughly speaking the distance between Macclesfield and where I was going to cycle was a million metres."
The fundraiser - as of publication - has raised £1070 for the Millbank Drive end-of-life care centre.
But there's still the rest of the month to go. However, Darren is ahead of schedule and could meet his goal a few days before May ends.
"The Hospice is a charitable organisation that helps people deal with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones adjust with their transition as well", said Luke Oldham.
"That life-limiting illness can be anything from dementia to cancer. We can help make that transition for you and your loved ones as comfortable as it can be.
"The Hospice only exists with the backing of our community. It is only partially funded by the government so we need as much support as we can to stay open, we need support people from Darren and the team at Manuka Money."
Manuka Money select a local charity to support every year. Last year, it was another athletic challenge for Space4Autism. But this year could be the most emotionally-charged, and highest amount raised, yet.
"I need all your support," told Darren.
"I'm really looking forward to everybody that can donate to this wonderful cause."
"I'd like to thank everyone for their support, including my family who are supporting me in the emotional side of this, and also my late father-in-law.
Darren is also known in the community for being a coach at Macclesfield RUFC, and recently sponsored a barrel at Macc Beer Fest.
"We can't express how much stuff like this means to us", added Luke.
"It is not just the money that gets raised, it is the awareness that gets raised alongside it. This is going to be such an incredible thing Darren is going for the Hospice. And it is going to be going on all month, he will be bearing hi-viz, with our logo on, spreading awareness that he is raising money for the Hospice.
"The money is going to be incredible important to our patients and staff at the Hospice, allowing us to continue the vital work that we do.
"We are so, so grateful to Darren and the team and Manuka Money for putting all this together. We are also so grateful to everyone who has donated."
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