New 101 mile charity bike ride to be held in Yorkshire to help children like Wilfred

York parents Imogen, 30, and Euan Campbell, 35, have a special reason for supporting a new charity bike ride in Yorkshire.

Euan, a physiotherapist, will be taking part in the 101-mile ‘Vyking Ride’ challenge. He says he wants to give something back to the charity that is organising the event, Action Medical Research.

“Our son Wilfred was born about three months early, which came as a major shock to us,” explains Euan.

“Action Medical Research helps fund vital research, some of which looks into the causes of premature birth and the complications that can arise from it.

“If we can help prevent other parents having to go through what we went through, then the challenge will be well worth it.”

Wilfred was born at just 25 weeks and four days, weighing just 2lb 6oz.

“I was in denial more than anything,” Imogen reflects. “I kept thinking, he can’t come, he can’t come. But your body knows, and in the end it was all very quick.”

Wilfred, who was cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit, was tube fed and needed a ventilator to help him breathe.

Tests showed that he had suffered a bleed on his brain, leading to irreversible brain damage.

Doctors also feared that the potentially deadly bowel disease necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) had taken hold.

But after four months in hospital, little Wilfred was finally able to go home, weighing 7lb.

Now aged three, Wilfred has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy but thankfully is only mildly affected.

He loves nothing more than playing with his little sister Edith who is nearly one.

Action Medical Research is inviting anyone with a love for cycling to sign up for the Vyking Ride. Particpants can choose two routes: 58 or 101 miles.

Action Medical Research’s Community Fundraising Manager for York, Georgina Thornton, says it’ll be a good challenge.

“Each circular course starts and finished at the stunning Ampleforth College and riders will take in some of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque towns and villages including Helmsley, Rosedale Abbey and Osmotherley.

“There are some pretty steep climbs in there – it’s definitely a challenge. But there are plenty of feed stations and of course you’ll get your well-deserved medal at the end.

“We are delighted that Euan is joining us in this inaugural Vyking challenge. The Campbells’ story really helps encapsulate all that Action is and why we raise vital funds.”

The race is on April 19. It takes in some of the most feared climbs in England. Brutal ascents include the dreaded Rosedale Chimney, the joint steepest paved road in England. Entry is £40 which includes chip timing, feed stations, mechanical support, emergency support and a medal.

More information about the ride can be found on the Action website action.org.uk/events/cycling/vyking-ride

Action Medical Research funds groundbreaking research to help find answers.

Answers that can lead to cures, treatments and medical breakthroughs for some of the toughest fights our children face.

In 2019, the charity launched its BORN TOO SOON campaign (action.org.uk/born-too-soon) to raise £1m by the end of 2020 to fund vital research that could save little lives.

Action Medical Research is a UK-wide children’s charity which funds desperately needed research to tackle the diseases that devastate the lives of so many of our children.

It has been funding medical breakthroughs since it began in 1952 including helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine.

Action is currently funding research into areas including premature birth, epilepsy, scarlet fever, cerebral palsy, brain cancer and some rare and distressing conditions.