Devoted dad of baby born in Sheffield with life-altering condition to cycle 200 miles for charity
“It doesn’t stop with this ride - it starts with this ride”
A loving dad who said he and his wife received support from some “unbelievable charities” when his son was born with spina bifida will now cycle more than 200 miles in a fundraising mission.
Darren Machen will take on the journey from the south to the north of Wales with his friend Neil Sutton between July 8 and 10 in honour of the charities that helped his son Louie.
Louie was born at Jessop Wing in October 2025, with Darren and wife Michelle already knowing that he would suffer from spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
“We’re trying to do something positive out of it all,” Darren told The Star.
The conditions mean that Louie was born without his spine having fully developed, as well as fluid in the brain causing additional pressure.
Just last week, Louie was taken to hospital once more to have surgery that revised his shunt, but Darren - from the Ravenfield area of Rotherham - says the young boy keeps still smiling.
“Kids are so resilient,” he added.
“He’s still smiling away.”
Support Darren’s fundraiser here
Throughout the entire process, Darren says he and his wife were supported by the charities Sick Children’s Trust, Shine and Sheffield Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, who he is now raising funds for.
On the fundraising page, Darren adds: “What brought us great comfort during this challenging time were the dedicated surgeons, nurses, doctors, and staff who cared for Louie.
“Their unwavering support made a world of difference to our family.
“Additionally, the charities that stood by us provided invaluable assistance and hope when we needed it most.”
As committed cyclers already, Darren and Neil knew they could use their passion to bring some support to these charities - but admitted that when they first planned the Wales journey they didn’t quite realising how gruelling it would be.
They are set to ride around 70 miles a day, completely self-supported, with around 6,500m of ascent in total.
“We’re quite good at suffering,” Darren joked.
He thanked all the people who have already helped them raise more than £2,700 and is hoping to reach his £3,000 goal by the time they set off.
He added: “It doesn’t stop with this ride, it starts with this ride, because it’s a condition he is going to have for the rest of his life.”