By Charlotte Webster-
An impressive 8year old girl from Bingley has raised over £1,600 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice after cycling from Settle to Morecambe.
Remarkable Nell Baker took on the 29-mile challenge in memory of her grandfather, Russ Fearnley, who was cared for at the hospice in Oxenhope before he passed away in 2015.
Nell Baker suggested her participation in the charity after she heard her mum and dad discussing the fact that the hospice was struggling for funds as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She specifically chose 29 miles as the length of the distance in order to commemorate her grandfather who was born on the 29th . 29 miles is the same length as the ‘Anne’ route of the Bronte Sportive cycling event.
Nell was cheered on by her dad, Rob, and family friends Joanne and Andrew Dean. She crossed the finish line on the promenade at Morecambe to cheers and applause from family members, friends and well-wishers.
Target
Nell initially set herself a target of £500 , but has more than tripled that target. raise £1,600.
On her JustGiving page, Nell said: “My grandpa was cared for by the amazing team at Manorlands.
“My mum, dad and brother have all done things to raise funds for Sue Ryder and now it is my turn.
Nell’s mum, Erica, said: “To actually try and put it all into words is impossible really. Nell’s been cool, calm and collected and I’m not entirely sure she realises the magnitude of what she’s achieved. My dad would have been so immensely proud, he really was my children’s biggest fan and I’m so sure he was sitting on Nell’s shoulder the whole way round.”
Hayley Ibbotson, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: “A big thank you to Nell for deciding to take on this challenge to support the hospice, it really is an incredible achievement.
“During this challenging time we remain heavily reliant on individuals fundraising for us and Nell has done a terrific job covering such a big distance. Every penny she has raised helps us to be there when it matters for patients and their loved ones.”
Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice provides expert palliative care, advice and support for people who are living with life-limiting conditions.
The Anne Bronte sportive route is 29 miles long and my grandpa was born on the 29th, so it is a very appropriate distance.
Emotional Support
In her appeal for help, the 8 year old praised the commitment of the nurses at the hospice. She said:”Sue Ryder nurses and healthcare teams are always there for local people who are dying. They are providing incredible emotional support as well as specialist medical care to people who are finding themselves in unimaginably difficult circumstances.
“We are all facing something we have never faced before which is why Sue Ryder has launched an appeal to make sure that they are still here.
“I am asking you to give whatever you can afford at this difficult time. Every pound you give could make the difference to whether they can be there or not. It is that simple.”