Sheffield company boss cycles 130 miles to raise money for Principle Trust children's charity

A company director from Sheffield has embarked on a 130-mile cycle challenge in support of a Yorkshire children’s charity.
By Julia Armstrong
Published 1st Apr 2022, 17:43 BST
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Darren Hirst, a director of Julius Baer Bank, is cycling from Sheffield City Hall to Lake Windermere to raise funds for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.

Darren, who lives in Sheffield, is being joined by friend Simon Thomas. Together the pair aim to raise £3,000 for the Trust which provides free respite holidays to children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse.

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The two riders left Sheffield City Hall at 10am on Thursday, March 31, heading to Stocksbridge, New Mills and Huddersfield. From there, the route takes them to Halifax, Brighouse and over the grueling cobbles of Haworth Main Street before arriving in Skipton at the end of day one.

Darren Hirst , left,and Simon Thomas depart from Sheffield City Hall on their 130-mile ride to Lake Windermere in aid of The Principle Trust, who provide holidays for children from disadvantaged or difficult backgroundsDarren Hirst , left,and Simon Thomas depart from Sheffield City Hall on their 130-mile ride to Lake Windermere in aid of The Principle Trust, who provide holidays for children from disadvantaged or difficult backgrounds
Darren Hirst , left,and Simon Thomas depart from Sheffield City Hall on their 130-mile ride to Lake Windermere in aid of The Principle Trust, who provide holidays for children from disadvantaged or difficult backgrounds

On Friday, the pair were due to leave Skipton and head along the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Gargrave, Giggleswick and Kirkby Lonsdale before arriving at White Cross Bay on the banks of Lake Windermere, where some of the charity’s holiday lodges are based.

Darren, aged 51, said: “Over the past 10 years the trust has helped thousands of disadvantaged, disabled and poorly children to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories.

“Every penny we raise will help the trust to extend its services to families across the entire Yorkshire region.”

Between 2011 and 2021, the trust provided free holidays to 4,100 children at six holiday homes.

Donations can be made at www.localgiving.org/fundraising/miles-for-smiles/

Related topics:SheffieldYorkshire