Published 6 July 2022
A dad spent one of the longest days of the year cycling 205 miles to raise money for the hospital where his father in law has spent almost three months.
Dave Little, from Folkestone, took part in the Chase the Sun challenge – riding from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey at sunrise, to Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset before sunset – for East Kent Hospitals Charity.
He has already tripled his initial fundraising target and the money will go to the critical care unit at the William Harvey Hospital where his wife’s father, Ian Webb, remains on a ventilator after battling mouth cancer and subsequent complications.
Dave, a 53-year-old dad of two, overcame injury and less-than-ideal weather conditions to complete the ride in time, arriving in Somerset an hour and 20 minutes before sunset.
He said: “We were up at 2am to get to the start in time to leave at 4.40am. There were around 700 cyclists doing the ride so it was very busy at the start, and I dare say there were a few motorists who weren’t very pleased!
“The weather was great to begin with but it turned very windy, wet and cold towards the end, and a few of us were shivering so much it was hard to stay on the bikes.
“It wasn’t a race; we just had to finish before sunset and I’m glad we did. I don’t think it’s something I’ll be doing again though!”
Ian, 77, was admitted to critical care at the end of March after an operation to remove cancer in his mouth, but he suffered complications to add to his existing COPD.
Dave said: “I was going to do the ride anyway but people were asking to sponsor me and I thought raising money for the hospital would be a good thing to do.
“The care he has received has been excellent. The staff are fantastic and we really can’t fault his care at all.
“I’m glad to be able to help in some way and give something back to say thank you for all they are doing for him.
“Sometimes it is hard for the family to see any improvements but he is getting stronger, and he is able to walk further in the ward each day.
“He can’t talk because of the ventilator, but the family kept him up to date with the ride and I think he was pleased.”
Dave completed the ride with three of his friends, and a support vehicle following behind with supplies and spare bikes in case they were needed. He thanked his co-riders for the sponsorship they’ve helped to raise.
To add to the total, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-little1806
