Warrington dad takes on epic 215-mile challenge in honour of his son

he Walton Centre Charity supporter, Duncan Wareham, sets off on an epic fundraising ride next week and every mile will carry a special meaning. Duncan Wareham, from Warrington, is riding across the Trans Pennine Trial; 215 miles from Southport in the west to Hornsea on the east coast, all in honour of his son, Josh, who is receiving life-changing care here at The Walton Centre. 

Back in February of last year, 18-year-old Josh’s world was turned upside down when he experienced a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – which is a tangle of blood vessels in the brain or on the brains surface. Thanks to the specialist team here at The Walton Centre, Josh was cared for in the best possible hands. 

Now, Josh’s dad Duncan is determined to give something back, taking on his fundraising challenge, Ride for Josh, to express a heartfelt thank you for the expert treatment and support Josh continues to receive here.

From Thursday 18th September, Duncan will spend four straight days pedalling from Southport to Hornsea, with a special stop planned at our Sid Watkins Building to visit Josh, and the team caring for him.

“I wanted to do something positive to show my appreciation for the incredible staff at The Walton Centre,” Duncan explained, “They have cared for Josh with such compassion and professionalism. This ride is my way of giving back.” 

The response to Duncan’s fundraising efforts have been overwhelming, managing to raise over £5,600 already, thanks to the generosity of their friends, family, colleagues and beyond. 

Every penny raised will support The Walton Centre Charity, helping fund vital research, enhance patient care, and provide those extra touches that make a difficult time a little easier for patients and families like Duncan and Josh. 

Head of Fundraising Madeleine Fletcher said: “All of us here at The Walton Centre hospital and charity want to say a huge thank you to Duncan and his family for their support. Thanks to generous donations already, Duncan’s fundraiser will make a huge boost to supporting patients and staff.”

If you’d like to cheer Duncan on and support his incredible challenge, you can donate to his page here: https://www.thewaltoncentrecharity.org/ride-for-josh