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Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Family and friends of the late Brian Barker kept their word by raising funds for East Cheshire Hospice.

Brian was a long-standing volunteer for the charity, helping at its Christmas tree collection.

His last involvement in January came two months before he died, aged 77.

Son-in-law Darren Smith cycled a million metres – around 660 miles – in May to raise funds.

Cyclist Darren Smith with wife Sammy, son Seb and daughter Abi.

Business partner Carl Atkinson ran the Manchester half marathon, while other donations brought the total for the Hospice to £3,231.

Darren, from Macclesfield, said: “Brian loved helping the Hospice and enjoyed his role with the tree collection every year. He asked us not to forget about the Hospice and we don’t break promises.

“I cycled 1,000 kilometres within three weeks across parts of Cheshire served by the Hospice. It was a massive effort, but worth it.”

Darren fitted his cycling around work for Manuka Money, a Gawsworth-based mortgage broker where he is director.

Carl Atkinson, Manuka Money head of marketing Alison Barber and Sammy Smith and husband Darren prepare to hand the cheque to East Cheshire Hospice.   

“I was so saddle sore I felt like John Wayne at the end of it. The longest ride was 120 kilometres in one day.

“I had booked a family holiday in the Lake District for the last week of May and didn’t fancy cycling up steep hills there, so that was an incentive to complete the challenge early.”

From left, Carl Atkinson and fellow fundraisers Emma Wilkinson-Hall, Chris Hughes and Sam Corlett at the Manchester Run.  

Darren intended cycling to Belgium but cancelled the trip after Brian’s sudden death. Instead, he covered the same distance locally.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/manukamoney-eastcheshirehospice

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How to Donate to East Cheshire Hospice

Thank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.

Christmas Tree Collection

Register your Christmas tree for collection by January 6th & we’ll collect it on the 10th or 11th.

Book now, donate & give the gift of care this Christmas.

No tree? You can still support the collection by making a donation.