A Bolton-based charity named in memory of a baby girl has held its annual cycle challenge.
Lagan’s Foundation held the challenge on Sunday, April 23, spanning across Rivington, Blackrod, Horwich, Chorley, Darwen and Wigan.
It marks a very important occasion for CEO and founder of the charity, Carren Bell, being the memorial event for her late child, Lagan.
On April 26, 2011, Carren and her partner Barry Grant lost their three-month-old daughter to heart failure.
Developed in 2016 in Lagan’s memory, the challenge represents the major uphill battle a child with heart defects must fight.
In fact, the distance of the longest route represents Lagan's journey from home to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
The foundation provide supports, respite and home care to families who have children aged 0-19 with congenital heart defects, feeding issues and other complex health needs across the North West.
This year there were around 50 volunteers working, without which, the event wouldn’t go ahead.
Marshalling support came from local businesses such as Slater Heelis, DMD Recruitment, Stanmore Insurance Brokers, Hutton Pike, Hilton Smythe and others.
Belinda Daniels from Hilton Smythe said: “It was a pleasure to be involved in such a heart-warming event! I didn’t mind at all being stood on a major roundabout, just off the M65 being beeped at!
“It was all in a good cause, I’m really pleased I could help, and I will definitely be signing up next year with my partner in crime, Kathryn.”
Teams of cyclists from across the North West took part, including Rochdale Triathlon Club, Deane Triathlon Club, Ainsdale Cycling Club and Salford Cycling Club, as well as members from the ASL Cycling Team and other local teams.
On the day, around 50 cyclists arrived to take part, gathering at Rivington and Blackrod High School before setting off to complete their route.
Elizabeth Stanfield, who cycled the standard route, said: “A fabulous morning of cycling around the most beautiful scenery, amazing support from all of the marshals, decided to do the standard route at the turning off point for the short route with the encouragement of a marshal, so glad I did.
“Made it in just under the five hours so was absolutely buzzing. The motorbike marshals encouraged me all of the way. They were lovely. It was just an epic ride”.
The Lagan’s Cycle Challenge will return next year on Sunday, April 28.
To donate to Lagan’s Foundation, visit: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/3797
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