Ralph’s Big Bury Cycle

Seven-year-old Ralph Callan from Unsworth will be cycling 40 miles as a thank you to Bury Hospice who cared for his grandparents before he was born.

The pupil from Sunnybank School will ride his bike from his home in Unsworth with his Dad, Dave Callan, to Bacup where they will watch Bury AFC play against Bacup Borough FC before cycling home.

Although Ralph is a Manchester United fan, he also supports Bury AFC, ever since he watched them play earlier this season. Ralph also plays football for Prestwich Predators and Walshaw Wolves. Some of his teammates from Predators might also join him and support the challenge, which will take place on March 19th, two days after Ralph’s eighth birthday.

Ralph visited the Hospice on Monday, February 14th along with his dad to learn more about the work of the Hospice and to say thank you for caring for his Grandma, Susan Callan, who attended Bury Hospice Day Services and his Grandad, Michael Callan who was cared for in the Inpatient Unit. Ralph was greeted by Bury Hospice’s Chief Executive, Helen Lockwood, members of the marketing and fundraising team and also Adam McWilliam from Bury AFC who turned up to surprise Ralph.

Ralph said: "I'm excited for the ride and thankful for all the support from the Hospice. I hope Adam and the Bury AFC players can win on the day to make it extra special."

Ralph’s dad, Dave added: “The work the Hospice does is incredible and our family have benefited first hand from this. Sadly Ralph never got to meet his grandparents but he's determined to complete this challenge in memory of them and to help raise funds for this special place."

With one month to go before the ‘Big Bury Cycle’, Ralph and his dad have started training and cycled 18 miles on Sunday, February 13th.

Ralph has already raised over £1,300 and will be dedicating a heart in honour of his grandparents on the Bury Hospice donor wall.

To sponsor Ralph, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ralphsbigburycycle