Grandad’s amazing ride in memory of ‘little soldier’ Rory

Charity biker Paul Smeeton got a hero’s welcome from his grandchildren (from the left) Ryan Morgan (3), Conor Stott (1) and Owen Morgan (11 months)

grandad Paul Smeeton has clocked up 837 miles and raised £7,500 in memory of baby Rory Stott, who lost his fight for life at 129 days old.

The 55-year-old motorcycle fan tackled the tough ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a day to raise money for the Royal Oldham Hospital’s neonatal unit.

Rory and his twin, Conor Stott, were born 15 weeks early; Rory a 1lb 7oz, Conor only 2lb 2oz. Both were given a 40-60 per cent chance of survival, sparking an emotional, rollercoaster ride for parents Emma and Justin as they watched their babies teeter on the brink of survival.

Paul’s wife, Zoe, recalled: “The doctors tried everything to get Rory to breathe on his own. He was a battler. He fought like a soldier.”

Paul explained: “Staff at the neonatal unit gave Rory 129 days of life, 129 days he had with his parents, brother and extended family; 129 days that we all got to know him.”

Paul and Zoe run Bitzforbikes in Castleton, Rochdale, where friends and supporters gathered to wave Paul off on his ride to the starting point in Cornwall.

Next day Paul was up at 3am and set off at 4am. Seven short stops for fuel and coffee and 15 hours later, Paul hit John O’Groats.

Fatigue had got its first grip on Paul three hours into the ride: “I was really cold and tired, so we pulled in to put another layer and a windproof on, then I felt great,” he said.

“By Salford we weren’t even halfway. I don’t think I realised just how far it was. It was hard going in Scotland, from Perth. They were single track roads and we struggled to overtake and keep up momentum.

“I was lucky to have my friend, Paul Levine, with me. He acted as pacemaker and kept me going. It would have been a long hard slog on my own.”

The pair hung “Rory’s Run” T-shirts on the John O’Groats sign, then came the long ride home for Conor’s birthday party. Paul planned the trip to end on Rory’s birthday.

“Losing Rory is still difficult for all of us,” said Paul. “Grandparents should never have to bury a grandson, and no daughter or son should have to bury their own son.”

Paul’s current fundraising effort is as Mr September in a charity calendar, featuring staff in cheeky poses. It costs £6.95 from his store (01706 344899). All proceeds go to the neonatal unit.