A kind-hearted nurse is taking on an extraordinary 3,200-mile cycle challenge that will see her stop off at Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The UK’s children’s hospices, including Derian House, have come together this week to mark Children’s Hospice Week 2022.
Going the extra mile is inspirational Children’s Nurse, Francesca Lennon, who is taking on the ultimate cycling challenge to launch her ChatUK (Children’s Hospices Across The UK) project, to raise vital awareness and funds for the UK’s much-loved children’s hospices.
Launching as part of Children’s Hospice Week, her ChatUK challenge will see her cycle to every children’s hospice service in the UK this Summer, clocking up a staggering 3,200 miles over 70 days. Her aim is to raise a huge £500,000 for children’s hospices and to raise awareness about the vital work they do to support families caring for a seriously ill child.
Inspired by Francesca’s challenge, the staff, volunteers and supporters of Derian House Children’s Hospice have completed a cycling challenge of their own with 54 people pedaling for one-minute on a watt bike representing each of the 54 children’s hospices in the UK. Watch the video here with special guest Josh Charnley of Warrington Wolves.
Children’s Hospice Week, led by children’s palliative care charity Together for Short Lives, runs from 20-26 June 2022 – celebrating the incredible work children’s hospices do for seriously ill children and their families.
This year’s Children’s Hospice Week theme is #ForTheChildren, which highlights the core purpose of children’s hospices. Everything they do is #ForTheChildren – helping families make the most of their lives together, no matter how short.
Caroline Taylor, Head of Income, Marketing and Communications at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Children’s Hospice Week has been a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the work we do at Derian House. The cycling challenge was a definite highlight of the week – it really brought staff and supporters together. Francesca’s story is one that has touched us all and we cannot wait to celebrate her arrival in Chorley.”
Francesca’s amazing journey will see her visit Derian House on Friday 8 July. The Chorley-based children’s hospice cares for 450 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, helping them to make the most of every moment.
You can support Francesca’s ChatUK challenge at https://www.chatukproject.com/
