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Parents raise over £6,000 following gruelling memorial cycle challenge

Thursday, 29 May 2025 13:12

The Long Way Home cycling challenge team

Cheryl Szulhan and Darren Midgley recently took on the 127-mile cycle along the Leeds – Liverpool canal stretch in memory of their youngest son ‘Baby Jack Jack’ who passed away on Boxing Day 2022 at just 16 months old.

The couple from Silsden were supported by friends during the two-day ride and on the final stretch towards Jacks memorial bench at Airedale General Hospital’s Nightingales Nursery, their eldest son Louis followed his parents on his own bike.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered in an emotional welcome for the cyclists at the on-site nursery in celebration of a challenge well done.

Cheryl, Emergency Department Nurse Manager for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Physically, this has been the most challenging task that Darren and I have taken on, but with the support of our friends and Jack at the front of our minds we just kept pushing on.

“Our initial fundraising target was £1,500 and now thanks to the generosity of our community and those who have read our story we’ve raised an unbelievable £6,128 with more donations still to come. We’d like to express our deepest thanks to everyone who has donated, shared our story and cheered us on, we wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

The funds raised from the cycling challenge have gone towards Airedale Hospital and Community Charity’s Emergency Department Appeal which currently stands at £103,257.

Jodie Hearnshaw, Charity Manager said:

“Watching Cheryl and Darren cycle into the ground of Airedale at the end of such an epic challenge in memory of Jack was wonderful.

“The community spirit has really shone though during this challenge, and it’s really driven home what can be achieved when everyone comes together. Hitting the £100,000 milestone in our Appeal thanks to Cheryl and Darren’s fundraising efforts has been the cherry on top of the cake.”

You can still show your support for Cheryl and Darren by visiting their JustGiving page.

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