A cyclist has completed the first event of a fundraising challenge aimed at supporting a local charity and honouring his grandfather

Noah Knapton completed the 183-kilometre Fred Whitton Challenge on Sunday, May 15, the first of our four cycling endurance events which form part of his fundraiser for Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland.

So far, Noah has raised £1,105 for the local charity for whom his grandfather Norman Knapton was a committed volunteer. 

Norman sadly passed away earlier this year and in his memory and in aid of Hospice at Home, Noah will cycle over 1,200km with the Fred Whitton Challenge set to be followed by the Tour of the Borders & Galloway, Ride to the Sun, and finally Coast to Coast to Coast.

At the beginning of Noah's challenge, Debbie McKenna, Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland paid tribute to Norman. 

She said: "Norman was a valued and loved member of our team, who supported us at Hospice at Home as a volunteer in many ways with tenacity and compassion.

"I am not surprised he had such pride when talking about his family and we are grateful for their continued support and Noah completing his challenge for our charity, enabling us to continue to provide end-of-life care at home."

After Noah completed the first event in his fundraising challenge, a spokesperson from Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland also thanked Noah for his fundraising efforts.

They said: "Noah is doing not one, not two or three but four incredible feats of endurance all to raise funds for Hospice at Home and to honour the memory of his Grandparents that did so much for us as a charity and for the local community.

"He is building on their legacy and to already be so close to his fundraising target after completing the Fred Whitton, the first of his challenges, is just incredible.

"Thank you Noah"