26 Jun 2023 Community

Jamie cycles 300 miles to raise funds for The Kirkwood in memory of Paul Wild

Jamie Simpson is looking to raise as much funds as possible for The Kirkwood by the end of June. He is taking part in a solo bike challenge, cycling 300 miles from Edinburgh to his local pub Shepherd's boy in Dewsbury. 

Jamie has already raised over £1000 for The Kirkwood during the month of June but he wants to really push the funds up during these final few days. 

Jamie, 36 from Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury is doing the challenge in memory of his girlfriends' dad Paul Wild who died at the age of 62 earlier this year in April on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit. 

On doing the challenge Jamie commented: "I wanted to raise money for The Kirkwood due to my girlfriends' father Paul passing away in the hospice. He was blown away by the level of care he received by the staff there and made us all promise we would fund raise for them once he had passed. 

"I have also been involved with fundraising for The Kirkwood before with my good friends Jason Audsley and his partner Deborah Parr after the passing of Jason's wife Natalie who was also cared for in the hospice.

"My fundraiser has seen me doing a solo bike riding challenge which will cover 300 miles throughout the month of June. I started the challenge in Edinburgh, and I will finish the last of the miles on the 30th of June at my local pub, the shepherd's boy in Dewsbury. 

"The challenge has been really enjoyable but at the same time really tiring. I work long hard days so I'm not getting out on the bike until 7pm most nights and not getting much relaxation or rest. I knew this would really challenge me which is why I set myself the target. I also knew doing it for somebody and something else would push me to make sure I completed it. 

."I am really proud that I could do something off my own back to raise money for The Kirkwood. It is very close to my heart and being able to help in any way makes the pain of the challenge feel less.

"I initially set a target of £300 but I surpassed that very quickly so I then thought let's aim for £1,000 and I am very pleased to say I have gone above that as well so now I'd just like to get as much as possible. 

"Every time I see a donation made it pushes me that bit harder to make sure I complete the miles required. 

"The main reason I am doing this challenge is for Paul, he had a warrior's mentality and I wanted to do something that would require that from me. 

"A few of his sayings will stick with me for life but the one that will see me through to the end of this challenge is, 'Rest when you are done'. 

"It is my privilege to raise money for The Kirkwood which is a fantastic organisation."

If you want to donate to Jamie's cause please click HERE.