WHEN Guy Taylor’s mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, the then 11-year-old was inspired to show his support by taking on a tough fundraising challenge.
Last July, keen mountain biker Guy, who lives in Hemingfield, successfully completed Cycle 300, riding 300 miles and raising an incredible £1,780 for Cancer Research UK.
His dad Dan said: “Guy loves his mountain bike racing and when he saw details of the challenge he asked if he could do it.
“It meant cycling 300 miles in July and I kept asking him if he was sure because it seemed a fairly hefty task for an 11-year-old but he said he was going to do it for his mum, Laura.
“It meant cycling ten miles a day and he did most of it on the Trans Pennine Trail and some of it in Wharncliffe Woods.
“There were days when he found it tough and we had to encourage him – he even got a message spurring him on from his hero, Sheffield mountain bike champion Steve Peat which he absolutely loved. I originally set a target of £150 because times are tough for people at the moment but he got lots of support.
“The kids that he races with donated and his uncles Dan and Graham who live in Spain really pushed the fundraising and had friends out there donating and a friend of mine, Gary Wilson, who has a motorbike school in Rotherham, even donated £100.”
Guy, who turned 12 earlier this month and attends Wath Academy, has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award in the Young Superstar category.
The nomination from Debbie McKeown, a colleague of his mum, Laura Leslie and dad Dan, who both work for Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “I would like to nominate Guy, for recognition of his outstanding fundraising achievement.
“In July, Guy successfully completed Cycle 300, riding 300 miles and raising an incredible £1,780 for Cancer Research UK.
“This challenge was deeply personal for him, as his mum bravely battled cancer last year.
“Guy was inspired to honour her incredible strength, willpower and bravery by taking on this challenge himself.
“His determination, resilience, and commitment to supporting such an important cause are remarkable, especially at such a young age. Guy’s achievement not only raised vital funds for cancer research but also serves as an inspiring example of compassion, courage, and community spirit.
“I believe Guy is a truly deserving nominee and I am proud to put him forward for recognition.”
Dan said: “Me and his mum are really proud of him, he always does us proud.
“He’s a really nice, loving kid and, although he didn’t do the challenge for recognition, he will really love that he’s been nominated.”
