Dave’s putting in the legwork for cycle feat
Date published: 13 June 2011
READY for the off . . . little Jacob Urbaniak, with mum Vickie, and dad Andrew, who is doing a sponsored cycle ride for the In Your Hands appeal
SOME of Britain’s most stunning and remote countryside awaits charity cyclist Dave Southworth as he plans a gruelling 1,000-mile ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
The 41-year-old, from Royton, will raise money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice with the 12-day challenge which involves him pedalling around 90 miles a day.
He and his family have been staunch supporters of the hospice for the last couple of years, through a variety of fundraising events from the Manchester to Blackpool cycle ride to the Midnight Walk.
He said: “I chose Dr Kershaw’s because I have lived in Oldham all my life.
“I think most people are aware of somebody who the hospice has helped in some way, either directly or indirectly.
“It needs to raise £1.3million independently each year just to keep the hospice running.”
Dave’s training regime sees him notch up between 30 and 60 miles most evenings, with the steep hills of Saddleworth providing good training for notorious climbs in Dartmoor and at Cumbria’s Shap fell.
He admitted: “Hopefully, the effort will all be worthwhile.”
Fundraising kicked off with a collection at Newbank Garden Centre, Royton, which netted £108, and Dave sent out a big thank-you to all who contributed.
Anyone who wants to sponsor him can do so at www.justgiving.com/lynnesouthworth.
Baby-care bid sits firmly in daddy’s hands
A Lees dad is pedalling the length of Britain in memory of his tragic premature daughter — and the care which saved her twin brother.
Andrew Urbaniak will leave for Land’s End with his father, George, the support driver, to tackle a gruelling solo cycle ride to John O’Groats on Friday, July 15.
Complications during pregnancy led to his wife Vickie undergoing an emergency Caesarian section last year.
Their twins were born 10 weeks early on November 30, 2010, after doctors decided to intervene following a scan which showed development problems with the baby girl.
Jacob weighed 2lb 13oz and Maisie, an even tinier 1lb 10oz.
Maisie lost her fight for life soon after she was born, leaving her parents devastated.
Baby Jacob was transferred to Wythenshawe Hospital for three days on specialist breathing equipment before returning to special care at the Royal Oldham Hospital.
Then Vickie and Andrew faced an anxious two-month wait until Jacob was strong enough for them to take home.
Now six-months-old, Jacob is doing well and Andrew’s ride is to say thank-you for the care the family received.
Andrew (29), who works as a data analyst in Radcliffe, said: “The scan showed just how serious the situation was and there was no choice in the matter but for Vickie to have an emergency section.
“You don’t expect things to go wrong, and no-one really prepares you for when they do. But when they do, you need the people and equipment there for you. We didn’t even know what neonatality was until we needed it. Without them Jacob wouldn’t have been here now.”
It will be the biggest cycling challenge of his life, and he is out most evenings clocking up the miles and building up his stamina in preparation for his big challenge.
He will average 70 miles a day for two weeks to reach his destination, in a bid to raise money for the In Your Hands appeal.
The campaign aims to raise £200,000 to buy equipment for the new women and children’s super centre, due to open at the Royal Oldham Hospital at the end of next year.
You can sponsor Andrew by logging onto www.justgiving.com/jacob-urbaniak.
