Silsden parents to cycle Leeds-Liverpool Canal in honour of late son

Friday, 25 April 2025 10:12

Cheryl Szulhan and Darren Midgley will cycle the Leeds-Liverpool Canal this May for the late son, baby 'Jack Jack'.

The pair lost their youngest son Jack on Boxing Day 2022 at just 16 months old.

They have since taken part in various fundraisers for Airedale Hospital and Community Charity’s Emergency Department Appeal, with this cycle marking their biggest physical challenge yet.

The couple will be pushing off from Liverpool on Saturday 17 May with an aim to cycle an impressive 106 miles back to their hometown of Silsden in just one day.

They will then travel to Leeds on Sunday 18 May to finish off the 22-mile journey back to Silsden.

A celebratory welcome party will be taking place on their return to be held at Nightingales Nursery on site at Airedale General Hospital where a memorial bench for Jack now sits.

Cheryl, Emergency Department Nurse Manager for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Doing this challenge in memory of Jack to give something back to my department brings a new perspective to a personal feel.

"The funds raised will be going towards Airedale Hospital and Community Charity’s Emergency Department Appeal and will hopefully give a big boost towards the £150,000 target.

“It’s also a great opportunity to bring some awareness to SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood). It’s something not many people will have heard of unless they have experienced it themselves.”

Cheryl and Darren have set themselves a fundraising target of £1500 and have already achieved over 80% of their target ahead of the cycle.

Jodie Hearnshaw, Charity Manager said:

“This isn’t the first fundraising challenge Cheryl and Darren have taken on to raise vital funds for Airedale.

“We’re in awe of their determination and strength when it comes to these types of challenges, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”

Members of the local community can show their support for Cheryl and Darren by visiting their JustGiving page.

Or if you’d like to ‘Cycle in Solidarity’ whether that be virtually with a stationary bike at a gym or joining in with cycling a section of the canal please email anhsft.charity@nhs.net or call 01535 294870 to express your interest.

Listen to Your Christmas!

Your Christmas Radio
The best of life at Christmas powered by Visit North Yorkshire

Playing The Power Of Love by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Listen Live