A great-grandfather is taking on a static bike challenge at the Rising Sun pub in Hazel Grove to raise money for children at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Derek Farndell, 72, will be embarking on his 200-mile bike ride to raise as much money as possible for the Treehouse Children’s Unit at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital and the When You Wish Upon a Star organisation.
Farndell – a resident of Hazel Grove -is classed as disabled but has consistently pushed himself to raise tens of thousands of pounds for a variety of good causes.
Seven-years-ago the former JCB-driver suffered chronic stomach disease and severe hernias and in 2016 was rushed to Stepping Hill’s A&E.
During the surgery he died three times and following was in an induced coma for more than four days.
Thankfully, he was able to recover and go home and since then has taken part in a number of long-distance sponsored bike rides to support local NHS charities.
Farndell: “It’s my way of saying thank you for the wonderful care Stepping Hill hospital staff gave my wife Mary when she had breast cancer and when I was severely ill seven years ago.”
He added: “This will be my first static ride, and I’m so grateful to the Rising Sun for hosting my challenge. They are a great bunch of people and I know they will be supporting me all the way.
“I’ve chosen to support the When You Wish Upon a Star charity, which grants wishes to children living with life threatening illnesses, and the Treehouse Children’s Unit.”
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation says: “Derek is an inspiration to all who meet him. His determination and generosity to support others knows no bounds.
“On behalf of all our young patients and staff on the Treehouse Unit, I would like to thank him wholeheartedly, wish him the very best of luck with his forthcoming challenge and look forward to supporting him.”
Jen Huges, North West Regional Fundraiser for When You Wish Upon A Star children’s charity added: “The money raised by Derek and his friends at the Rising Sun in Hazel Grove will help us grant more Magical Wishes.
“Times are so hard right now, and we couldn’t grant so many Wishes without people like Derek. This December we are thrilled to be taking families from across the UK to meet the real Father Christmas in his home, Lapland.”
To support Derek’s static fundraising, call or message 07927 737897.
