2 Aug 2022 Community

Pedal for Pounds raises £22,000 for The Kirkwood

The Kirkwood's long time passionate supporter Derek Highe took part in Huddersfield Town's Pedal for Pounds in 2022, helping to raise an incredible £22,000 for The Kirkwood whilst cycling from Huddersfield to Harrogate and back again.  

Derek every year creates a spectacular Christmas lights show in Mirfield which also raises funds for us. However he is also a man who likes to saddle up and put his metal to the pedal as a keen cyclist.  

Called Pedal for Pounds 10.5, Highe and the other 139 cyclists took on the difficult ride and raised over £88,000 for four local charities including us here at The Kirkwood. Usually an annual fundraising event, the 2021 version had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it returned for 2022 even if in a shorter route. The previous 10 installments of Pedal for Pounds have raised over £2 million for a combination of local charities and good causes with The Kirkwood being one of the charities to benefit.  

On this particular ride Derek said: "This ride was a difficult one because of the steep incline hill near Kettlewell called Park Rash. It is hard for even experienced riders to get up there and was a real test. However we completed it and I was very tired but happy when I had done it. We did 100 miles in the first day which was very hard, we went through some great little villages before turning towards Harrogate.  

"The event once again was well organised and although ot was a shorter route and put together very quickly I think it went ahead successfully and although hard work it was enjoyable too."  

Derek has took part on Pedal for Pounds since the 3rd installment which went from Yeovil to Huddersfield. He has since taken part in each once since, crossing various rivers, and passing some stunning scenery in both England and abroad.  

On taking part over the past 10 years, Derek said: "It is an event I look forward to every year and it has been very much missed over the course of the last few years. You end up being a big family on these trips because of how everyone supports each other. I've seen some wonderful sights and it can be emotionally, I've made lots friends and memories whilst doing the rides."  

Finally Derek once again powerfully explained why The Kirkwood is so important to the local community: "The reason I picked The Kirkwood to raise money for is because unfortunately as you get older you hear about people needing help from them. Everyone I ever speak to that has been touched by The Kirkwood says how amazing all the staff are that work within The Kirkwood family.  

"It is such an important cause to so many people across Kirklees. It's such a vital resource, there are thousands of people who fundraise for The Kirkwood and they all do a terrific job. I am just happy I can fundraise for the charity by doing what I can do."  

Penny Wade Director of Finance and Resources of The Kirkwood said of the Pedal for Pounds ride and the funds that were raised from it: “It was great to welcome Dean and Janet Hoyle along with Andy Booth to our site in Dalton. The donation of £22,000 from this year's Pedal for Pounds Challenge was made possible by the generosity of the Huddersfield Town Foundation and of course the fans.  

“The donation will help fund the launch of our new Referrals Hub meaning that we can support more patients and families in Kirklees.”