Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Prince

1999

Listen Live Podcasts

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.”

More from Local news

All you need to know about the Ilkley Food & Drink Festival this weekend

Organisers of the seventh Ilkley Food and Drink Festival this weekend [13/14 June] have shared the complete festival programme.
Explore with The Friends of Ilkley Moor this month

The Friends of Ilkley Moor [FOIM] have three events in June, which between them will offer attendees an understanding of habitat management and restoration, a chance to discover the birds on the moor, and also explore the highest part of the moor.
Council says 'fireworks - bang out of order'

Bradford Council is launching a campaign to crack down on the torment of fireworks.
Otley Garden Centre unveils plans for new outdoor play area

Otley Garden Centre has unveiled plans for an exciting new outdoor play area.
Ilkley councillor asks new Executive committee about financial plans

Ilkley councillor, Andrew Loy, used the first meeting of the Bradford Council's new Executive committee to ask about changes to financial plans.
Ilkley's Summer sporting events need you!

Two of Ilkley's biggest summer events are coming up, the Ilkley Cycle Races on Friday 3rd July and the Ilkley Half Marathon on Sunday 12th July, and organisers are calling on local people to help make them happen.
Five ways to support Pride in Ilkley this June

As Ilkley prepares to celebrate Pride Month, the Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is encouraging residents, businesses, and community organisations to get involved and show their support for LGBTQ+ people across the town.
A well-known Ilkley property to go under the hammer

A rare renovation project has gone on the market in Ilkley, to be sold by auction.
Ilkley Civic Society unveil new Blue Plaque on Wells House

For many years the Ilkley Civic Society’s Blue Plaque Scheme has celebrated the history of Ilkley and of buildings that have shaped the town.
Police appeal following cars stolen in Ilkley

West Yorkshire Police have reported vehicle crime in Ilkley over the weekend.
A celebration of grassroots art coming to Ilkley Manor House

The photoILKLEY photography festival has officially announced a creative partnership with local arts organisation Village Pavilion to launch an interactive Photo Art Vending Machine for the 2026 summer season.
Care home welcomes Ilkley Veterans for special appreciation lunch

Greenholme House Care Home in Burley-in-Wharfedale recently welcomed members of the Ilkley Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club for a special lunch event.
A Magnificat summer concert this weekend

On Saturday, 13 June, two local choral societies will come together to present a charming and exuberant concert featuring the music of 20th century composers.
Community thanked as response saved a life

Emergency services were called to Cowpasture Road in Ilkley on Saturday to attend to a cyclist who had suffered a major heart attack.
Experience the calming joy of crafting for charity Mind

Residents and visitors are invited to turn off their mobile phones and enjoy an endorphin boost, with a selections of mindful crafts and mini projects, in aid for the charity Mind at Mrs Duttons Wondrous Workshops.
The ones to watch at Lexus Ilkley Open 2026

This year’s Lexus Ilkley Open will begin on Sunday 7 June at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club with the qualifying stages.
Paws for Manorlands raises £1,600+ for local hospice care

Around 50 people and their four-legged friends gathered in Ilkley recently for the inaugural Paws for Manorlands charity dog walk, raising an incredible £1,605 for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
The Hub announces its Ilkley Live Music Festival line-up

The Clarke Foley Community Hub will once again be among the venues for the Ilkley Live Community Music Festival.
Norton & Townsend tailors moves to new boutique showroom

Norton & Townsend, the bespoke tailoring house known for its expertly crafted suits and personalised service, has relocated from Ben Rhydding to new premises on Little Lane in the heart of Ilkley.
RE-Play comes to Ilkley Manor House

From this weekend, Ilkley Manor House will present RE-Play, a joyful and imaginative exhibition celebrating the creative process, the pleasure of making and the playful possibilities of contemporary art.