Back in 2020, I took on one of the toughest personal challenges of my life — a 24-hour ride in memory of my dad, on what would have been his 74th birthday. It was more than just a cycling challenge; it was a way to honour him and to give something back to Ashgate Hospice, which played an irreplaceable role in caring for him and supporting our family during the hardest time imaginable.

Why I Rode

In 2018, my dad fell suddenly and unexpectedly ill. After a short spell in hospital, we were dealt the devastating news that he had terminal cancer.

Dad was many things to many people — but to me, he was my hero. He taught me everything without ever needing to say much; he led by example. His quiet strength, humour, and selflessness were unmatched, and even now, years later, I find myself still guided by the way he lived his life.

When Dad became ill, he was clear on one thing: he didn't want to spend his final days in hospital. Thanks to Ashgate Hospice, that wish was honoured. They supported my mum with care and compassion, helping her keep Dad at home for as long as possible. In his final days, when he needed the hospice's help directly, the team there were nothing short of extraordinary — kind, attentive, and deeply caring. They made sure he was comfortable, peaceful, and never in pain. Dad passed away with Mum by his side, holding his hand — and I'll forever be grateful for that.

The Challenge

When Ashgate launched its Urgent Appeal during the 2020 lockdown to sustain its vital community services, I wanted to do something meaningful to help.

A good friend, Zach Law, had recently completed a gruelling 24-hour ride and raised over £7,000 for the hospice. His effort inspired me so much that I decided to follow in his footsteps — or instead, his pedal strokes — and take on the same challenge.

There was just one small problem… Zach is a much more accomplished cyclist than I am! So, I knew it was going to be a real test — both mentally and physically.

I set myself the goal of cycling for 24 hours straight, covering the virtual distance from North Derbyshire (where Ashgate Hospice provides its care) to Dartmouth. With the country still under lockdown, I rode entirely indoors on my turbo trainer, live-streaming the whole thing on YouTube from my garden cabin.

I chose June 3rd — the day that would have been Dad's 74th birthday — as the challenge's date. It felt like the perfect way to celebrate him.

The Appeal Video

Before the ride, I recorded an appeal video to explain why I was taking on this challenge and to raise awareness of Ashgate Hospice's urgent need for support during this difficult time. It was emotional to film, but it captured exactly what the cause meant to me and my family — and why I felt compelled to do something. You can watch that original video here.

The Ride

Over 24 hours, I rode a total of 520.11 kilometres, climbing 3,922 metres along the way. My moving time was 21 hours and 40 minutes, averaging 24 km/h across the full 24 hours and 11 minutes.

In total, I burned an incredible 10,652 kilojoules of energy — that's roughly the equivalent of 26 slices of pizza (which, for the record, I definitely felt like I'd earned!).

You can see the full stats from the ride on Strava here.

It wasn't easy — there were moments where my legs felt empty, and the mental battle was every bit as tough as the physical one. But every time I felt like stopping, I reminded myself why I was doing it. For Dad. For Mum. For Ashgate. For every family that might need that same care one day.

The Result

Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and complete strangers, the ride raised over £11,500 for Ashgate Hospice — far surpassing my initial goal.

You can still view the original JustGiving page here.

That money helped Ashgate continue providing the kind of compassionate, dignified care that my family experienced firsthand. They are truly a cornerstone of our community — helping people live well and die well, surrounded by love, respect, and comfort.

Looking Back

Even now, several years on, that day remains one of my proudest achievements. It wasn't about the distance, the speed, or even the number on the fundraising total — it was about honouring Dad in a way that felt true to who he was.

Every pedal stroke was powered by memory, love, and gratitude.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Dad. I miss him deeply, but I also carry a piece of him with me — in how I approach life, family, and the things that matter most.

And every time I see the incredible work Ashgate continue to do for families across Derbyshire, I'm reminded of why that ride, those 24 hours, and that pain in my legs were all worth it.

Continuing the Connection

Since completing that ride in 2020, my relationship with Ashgate Hospice has continued in a way that means the world to me. I've had the privilege of working with them as a volunteer photographer, capturing images that help showcase the incredible work they do — from fundraising events and community campaigns to portraits that tell the real stories of care, compassion, and humanity that happen every single day at Ashgate.

It's been a tremendous honour to give something back through my photography — to help shine a light on the people who make Ashgate what it is, and to share their impact with the broader community. Every time I pick up my camera for them, I'm reminded of my dad, of what their care meant to our family, and of how important it is that this vital place continues to receive the support it deserves.