2023 was a very hard year for our family. Earlier this year we lost my Grandad, John Stevens, to heart failure, this was a very difficult time. To see someone suffer so much is heartbreaking. All the family helped to care for him and tried to make him as comfortable as possible, he sadly passed away in May 2023, leaving everyone devastated.

Then on the 27th October 2023 we lost my Uncle, Paul Stevens, he took his own life. This was so unexpected leaving all the family heartbroken. Loosing Paul has left a massive hole in our lives and he is missed so very much every minute of every day.

In memory of Paul and Johnny, I am trying to raise funds to have a memorial bench for them both on Orrell Water Park. This is something that I think will bring comfort to people who knew them both, somewhere to sit and spend time with them, even a chat or maybe a drink. I have decided to take on the Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge to raise funds, this is one of the most popular sportives in the UK and is also famed as being particularly difficult. Dubbed ‘The Daddy of them all’ by Cycling Weekly.

The Wheelbase Fred Whitton Challenge consists of an overall gradient of 10,400ft and a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District, now a World Heritage Site. Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes. This will take place on 12th May 2024.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated, if we exceed the target, funds will be donated to a mens mental health charity.