24 Oct 2023 Community

Richard Poole’s The Kirkwood Memorial Bike Trail fundraiser

Cycling enthusiast Richard Poole has set up a memorial mountain bike ride in memory of his partner Katrina who died in 2020 after being cared for at home. Last year Richard raised a fantastic £1,525 for The Kirkwood and is hoping to beat that record raised this year.

This year’s ride is taking place on Sunday 12th November and Richard, 43 is as excited as ever to get the fundraising event underway. This year Richard has suggested three routes for people to take part in, a long route of 26 miles, a slightly shorter route of 15 and a juniors circuit which is three laps of Shepley Cricket Club.

On the The Kirkwood Memorial Bike Trail Richard said: “Last years event was quite successful regarding the amount of funds we raised for the hospice; it was great to have so many people there that I knew. However, this year I want to be bigger and better and get more people involved and hopefully that means we will raise more money too.

“This year we have opened the event up and tried to make it as family friendly as possible with the three different routes. We have the long route for those ultra cyclists, we have the shorter route for those people who just want to come and give it a go, and then we have the junior route for the kids to come and take part. I think that is a really important element of the event where we get as many people involved as possible and looking to take part.

“Once again thanks to Shepley cricket club for opening their doors and supporting my event. We’ll have the bar open, and refreshments served, I have organised a face painter and also various other things that will be happening on the day that will make it as family fun as possible. I also wanted to thank everyone at Kirklees College for getting behind my event too, It is great to know that where I work they have helped support something I am passionate about.”

Richard has special connection with The Kirkwood spanning all the way back to 2004. On his reason behind setting up the event, Richard said: "I organised this event in loving memory of my partner Katrina who passed away in July 2020 with a brain tumour. I wanted to raise money to help others in a similar situation. 

"I set up a bike ride as nothing is currently in place like this for The Kirkwood and it’s a great way to raise money and spread the word about The Kirkwood throughout the community."

Richard is a keen cyclist and so was Katrina, they enjoyed biking together and had many happy memories doing it.  

Richard commented: "I started cycling about 6 years ago and slowly introduced Katrina to it. She really enjoyed being on two wheels as it’s not something she had really done before meeting me. We had some great adventures on two wheels. 

"The Kirkwood were very supportive with Katrina’s palliative care, and she would be only too happy that we are trying to raise funds to help the organisation and keep supporting others." 

After last years event, Richard was understandably very emotional, and it was tough for him to think about that time in his life. However he was also very proud for achieving setting up the event and raising funds for a charity he dearly loves.

He commented: "I was very tired and emotional at the end of the day. I felt Kat tap me on the shoulder and say well done which made me feel very emotional. The whole day was in truth as the bike ride went past a lot of special memories for us as a couple."

Richard explained how The Kirkwood's expert help and support first came into his life. 

He said: "I have participated in many fundraising activities over the years, but The Kirkwood first came into my life in 2004 when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. 

"The Kirkwood supported my family with his palliative care during a difficult time. More recently it has been with my partner Katrina. Katrina was cared for at home by her loved ones, but that could not have been done without the support of The Kirkwood. They provided vital support to my loved ones at the time when it was most needed. 

"In all honesty, I’d have rather not ever had a personal introduction to the work The Kirkwood does, but without them, the final days of my loved one’s lives would have been that much harder.  

"I feel The Kirkwood is a hidden gem of our community, providing a vital service when it’s needed most and when we are often at our most vulnerable. 

"All the staff and volunteers go about their work with a smile on their face and provide a warm comfort to people who are going through or have been through severe trauma.

"Life is a little different these days, the last couple of years have given me first-hand experience of many of the challenges we face. My co-pilot and soulmate no longer kisses me goodnight or brings sunshine to the cloudiest of days. I’m thankful for the time I had with Katrina, I wouldn’t change it for the world, it is a shame we just didn’t have long enough.

"I hope setting up this event leaves a legacy for Kat, who was well known in the local area. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to raise money for a great cause. Without ever forgetting Katrina, I’m using this as a platform to build the next chapter in my life and say thank you to The Kirkwood for all they have done for me and my loved ones."

If you'd like to contribute to Richard's fundraising efforts please click on the link here.