Sheffield dad's charity cycle ride for tragic Natalie

A doting dad is set to embark on an epic cycle ride to raise funds for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, where his young daughter spent her final days.
Tragic Natalie died at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.Tragic Natalie died at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.
Tragic Natalie died at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

Teacher Peter Maw is saddling up to take part in the Park 2 Park sponsored 35km bike ride in aid of the North Anston-based hospice which looked after his 12-year-old daughter Natalie.

The youngster died at the hospice in 2012 after battling a rare form of liver cancer and dad Peter said he wanted to raise as much money as possible for the facility as a thank you for the care they provided.

Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.
Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.
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He said: “Bluebell Wood is a wonderful place and deserves your support.

“Please help Bluebell Wood to continue the work they do in helping children who don’t have the same chances in life, which most of us take for granted.

“My daughter, Natalie, passed away at the hospice surrounded by love and care, something I will be forever grateful for.”

He added: “The staff were wonderful to Natalie and made the seven weeks she attended as pleasurable as possible despite her declining health.

Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.
Hossein Yazdi, Peter Maw and Ken Stainthorpe on a previous charity ride.
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“She was able to take part in wheelchair dancing, a helicopter ride and met unusual animals.”

This is not the first time Peter has pushed himself to raise money for the hospice.

In 2013, he and friends, Hossein Yazdi and Ken Stainthorpe, completed a 700-mile cycle ride across 10 days through France to raise more than £7000.

The latest Park 2 Park ride takes place on Sunday, September 4, from 8.45am at the Rother Valley Country Park.

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After two and a half laps of the lakes, riders will then join the Trans Pennine Trail and cycle to Poolsbrook Country Park in Staveley.

After completing one lap of the lake in Poolsbrook, the riders will then head back to the country park.

In addition, tired riders are welcome to tuck into a free barbecue and everyone taking part will receive a medal.

There will also be a range of stalls, a new sprint zone and kid’s fun zone.

Tickets are £13 for an adult and £6 for under 16s.

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All of the sponsorship money raised will go directly to the hospice.

The event attracts hundreds of riders annually and last year raised a whopping £17, 000 for the charity.

A spokesperson for the hospice urged members of the public to get behind the event.

She added: “This year we are encouraging participants to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship, but would like them aim as high as they can to help local children and their families.

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“The sponsorship money raised from Park 2 Park this year will make sure Bluebell Wood can be there for families during some of the hardest times they will ever have to face.

“Bluebell Wood currently offers short respite breaks, day care provision, community support, crisis intervention and end of life care to over 200 families.

“It costs over £4 million a year to provide this service and the charity receives around 10% of our funding from government sources.”

For more information on how to get involved with the event or to donate visit www.bluebellwood.org