15
Jun
Three generations of Pannal family to cycle for 'life-changing' charity
While many will be having a leisurely start to the weekend, that’s not the case for one Pannal family whose Saturday is shaping up to be quite different.
Instead of a lie in and a cup of tea, Robert Lloyd (73), Ian Lloyd (46) and Arthur Lloyd (11) are undertaking a mammoth 27 mile cycle ride across the Isle of Man on June 15.
The Lloyds are tackling the challenge for a cause that's close to the heart. All proceeds raised from the fundraising will be going towards the charity Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF), which directly supports Leeds General Infirmary’s (LGI) congenital heart unit.
Six years ago, Arthur had open heart surgery at LGI – and now alongside his dad and grandad, he’s supporting the charity that helped to look after him and his family during that time.
A pea-sized hole
Congenital heart disease – a condition in which the heart or the large blood vessels surrounding the heart have not developed properly in the womb – affects around one in 100 babies in the UK.
While many can resolve themselves in infancy, other cases can be more complex and require surgery.
Arthur was born with a pea-sized hole in his heart which his doctors at the time decided to monitor, to see if it would close up on its own accord.
However, by the age of five the hole had not healed, and Arthur’s family had to consider the possibility of surgery.
Arthur’s dad Ian explained:
You couldn’t tell in his day-to-day life that there was anything wrong. But the doctors told us that if left untreated, it could shorten his life span and Arthur could have major heart problems in his 40s or 50s.
In 2019, Arthur underwent open heart surgery at LGI – a harrowing experience for any family to have to go through. He was then placed in intensive care for a day, before recuperating on the ward.
Discussing the post-surgery process, Ian said:
The intensive care unit is an intense place - it’s like a spaceship, it’s so surreal, and it’s quite an indescribable experience.
But the people who work there are fantastic, and the level of care they deliver is admirable, they really supported us through everything.
Arthur is now a keen cyclist (Image: Ian Lloyd)
One of the medical machines used during Arthur's hospital stay was actually provided by money raised for the Children's Heart Surgery Fund and this, combined with the support the family felt they received, was motivation for Arthur, Ian and Robert to find a way to give back.
Luckily Arthur recovered well from the surgery and six years on, is now a typical, active 11-year old – currently in Year 6 at Pannal Primary School, he loves football, cricket and cycling.
Giving back
Since the JustGiving page for the cycling challenge - which you can donate to here - launched on April 28, training began in earnest for the main event.
On the day, the route will follow the Isle of Man coast-to-coast path, from Douglas to Peel Castle and back again.
It’s not just a gentle, paved meander through the countryside either – some parts are considered ‘off-road’ and the trail has an elevation gain of 500 feet.
Isle of Man Coast-to-Coast RouteExplaining what made the island – which is located in the Irish Sea, between England and Ireland – the perfect place to tackle the ride, Ian said:
My dad [Robert] has visited the Isle of Man several times and suggested it as a good place to do the ride.
Instead of just cycling in the local area, we’re going somewhere to complete the challenge, we have to drive and get the ferry, there’s a whole process.
It gives it a sense of occasion, and builds the excitement, especially for Arthur.
Arthur added:
I’ve enjoyed the training we have done and fixing and preparing my bike [for the challenge]. I’m really looking forward to the adventure to the Isle of Man, going on a ferry, and the bike ride.
I’m really excited about the ride and raising money for the charity that looked after me.
Arthur and Robert on a training cycle ride (Image: Ian Lloyd)
Ian had nothing but praise for the Pannal community which he described as ‘coming together’ to support the cause, helping to raise awareness and sponsorship ahead of the day.
As part of Pannal’s D-Day celebration, and to recognise his fundraising efforts, Arthur was invited to light the beacon by Cllr Catherine Burrell.
It was at this event that Ian was approached by a woman who wanted to share her own experience as the mother of a child with a congenital heart disease.
For Ian, this highlighted the importance of what he, Arthur and Robert are setting out to achieve on Saturday.
Being able to have that conversation was amazing. Lots of families do go through this and they shouldn’t feel like they’re alone.
To be able to talk openly about it really helps, and that’s what this is all about.
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