Local Life - St Helens - March 2018

12
In memory of cyclist
Fundraisers are taking part in a
gruelling challenge in memory of exinternational
cyclist.
“It’s 112 miles, starting at Grasmere before taking in
climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter,
Hardknott and Wrynose passes. The notorious
Dave Hitchen, 42,
of Haresfinch and
latterly Billinge,
was killed in an
incident on Rivington
Road, Belmont, in
September 2014.
His friends have
now formed an
eight-strong team
who will take part
in the gruelling Fred
Whitton Challenge
this May to honour
the life of former international Dave Hitchen.
His friend, Darren McWalters, Darren explained:
“Dave was a genuinely funny guy and a wonderful
father and family man. The challenge is on May 13 in
the Lake District and arguably the most challenging
one-day cycling event of its kind in the UK.
Hardknott pass includes a 30% gradient and greets
riders at 98 miles. The total climb for the event is a
few feet shy of 13,000ft.”
In preparation for the challenge, Darren and the
team are embarking on some ‘warm up’ spinathons
at Queens Park Health and Fitness, St Helens.
Linda De Sa of North West Air
Ambulance said: “We are grateful
that this challenge will raise generous
funds for our rapid response health
care service. We will be cheering the
group on throughout the weeks and
months of the challenge and wish
them all the best of luck.”
To find out more and to take part in
the charity events contact Darren
McWalters @ darren_mcwalters@
hotmail.com
To donate www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/mark-jenkins20