His choice to raise money for Sands came after the loss of his son Dylan in September 2020. Sands is a stillbirth and neonatal death charity that supports families affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. The charity carries out research to improve maternity safety and works to reduce inequalities in healthcare to save babies’ lives.
Sam said: “Sands is such an important charity as they supported me and Dylan’s mother after we sadly lost him. The amount of support they provide is fantastic and it varies for couples, mothers and fathers. The charity recognises the numerous challenges and needs that different people face in the most incredibly tough times.
“All donations are hugely important as Sands don’t just support bereaved families but they also help to raise awareness of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Every donation really matters.”
Sam’s first challenge took place on 19 July and saw him tackle a 102-mile loop from Charlton Hall round the Northumberland National Park.
He said: “The weather was so bad, I wondered it if would be cancelled. However, the ride was held, although at points it felt like I was doing aqua bike rather than a cycle. It was a beautiful ride, though at points there was so much mist and heavy rain I couldn’t see the view at all. There was a ridiculous amount of ascents with 19 climbs alongside undulating countryside leading to a mammoth 2605 meters or 8547 feet in climbing overall.”
Sam’s second ride took place on 26 July and saw him take on the Coast to Coast challenge, a mammoth task of covering 130 miles.
He said: “I was lucky to have the weather gods on my side for my second ride after the super tough first ride. It was overcast but still warm. There were plenty of hills to climb but it wasn’t as brutal as the previous weekend. With a great support crew and plenty of snacks, my mammoth missions was accomplished albeit with sore knees, legs, arms and everything by the end.”
Sam has raised nearly £1500 for the amazing charity.
