AN inspirational dad is set to embark on a mammoth cycling journey from Leeds to Istanbul to raise funds for the ‘miraculous’ British Heart Foundation in memory of his son.
Dave Beal, 56, works at Co-op Funeralcare on Huddersfield Road and will be known to many across the town for the work he does to support grieving families.
Eight years ago, in 2017, Dave’s son Danny died aged just 12 - leaving the family heartbroken.
But Dave says thanks to the ‘miraculous’ work that the British Heart Foundation do, his son’s organs were able to be used by others across the country.
He told the Chronicle: “I’ve chosen the British Heart Foundation because I’ve got history with the charity.
“Eight years ago I lost my son, Danny, who was 12.
“We were able to donate some of his organs to other people who were in need.
“Danny’s heart was donated after his death and continues to beat to this day, somewhere, helping a young man now aged 15 to live a fuller life.
“What they’re able to do is just miraculous.”
To mark the anniversary of his son’s death, Dave is set to embark on a ‘gruelling’ trek across Europe on his saddle from Leeds to Istanbul.
“I want to support the charity in any way that I can,” he added.
“I’ll be going from Leeds to Istanbul.
“I’ll be getting the ferry to Rotterdam from Hull and then I’ve made my own route up from there.
“It kicks off on June 21 and then I think it’ll take 26 days.
“I’ve put in some rest days in there just to break it up but it’ll be a gruelling trek.”
Dave is hoping to raise a total of £26,000 on his fundraising mission - £1,000 for each day that he’ll be in the saddle.
“There’s going to be 26 days of this so hopefully I’ll be able to raise £1,000 a day,” he added.
“It’s early days at the minute but we’ve already raised £600.
“It’s gradually going up as more and more people are hearing about it.
“Every penny raised for this excellent cause, goes to create similar happy endings for people suffering from heart disease.”
Becky Beevers, British Heart Foundation’s fundraising manager, said: “We are so very grateful to Dave for taking on this incredible challenge in memory of Daniel and in support of the British Heart Foundation.
“We wish him all the success in the world and will be following his progress. Far too many of us have felt the pain of losing someone we love.
“Through donating to Dave’s fundraising link, you will help the BHF power groundbreaking cardiovascular research to save and improve lives, bring hope to families, and keep hearts beating across the UK.
“It is only through donations and fundraising like this that the BHF can fund advances in research that will get us closer than ever to a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases.”
To donate to the fundraiser, follow the link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/transeuropa25?fbclid=IwY2xjawJh-SBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHohywQE515niQdMikmJwcq52tqClxXqqhVdcr0AD2TuGvvNEtcOgYNJU—R4N—aem—3vdj4S6XGHp1z1VUGEgyBw
