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Fundraising dad’s 18-mile 'pram push' from Ilkley to Leeds

Monday, 11 November 2024 17:50

Stephen (right) started the pram push with his late father Alan and son Daniel in 1998

Stephen Wakefield will be undertaking his annual 'pram push' from Ilkley to Leeds this Friday, 15th November, for Children In Need.

This will be his 27th year, Stephen completed his first pram push in 1998 with his eight-month-old son Daniel and father in tow. Since 2017 he’s been doing the push twice.

Stephen said:

“It's the same pram we have used throughout and now has over 600 miles on the clock. Dad is no longer with us, so he's in charge of the weather, and Daniel is cabin crew out of Manchester.”

The first pram push was on Saturday 2nd November, which is always about two weeks before Children In Need, with the second on the day itself. Both start with a train journey from Leeds, where Stephen lives, to Ilkley.

Arriving in Ilkley he calls at Bettys for a fat rascal and gets a Lishman’s pork pie before starting his 18-mile, 8.5-hour walk back to Leeds.

Stephen explains he takes different routes on each push:

“The first is through Burley-in-Wharfedale, where I stop for a coffee with the guys putting up the Christmas lights. It’s then on to Otley and up the Chevin, which takes an hour to sumit. Into Bramhope , Headingley and back to Leeds railway station. If I'm feeling fit enough I have been known to walk home!

“The second push I beat right at Burley-in-Wharfedale and go through Menston, Guiseley, Horsforth, Kirkstall and on to the station.

“I used to collect in Leeds wearing a diving suit and holding a treasure chest for many years. I also have done the Ringway Walk around Bradford and cycled Blackpool to Scarborough for them.”

Stephen has a JustGiving page where you can show your support, if you search for Stephen Wakefield.

He adds:

“Thank you on my behalf to anyone who donated, waved or honked at me.”

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