A Harrogate man, whose wife died just 36 hours after being diagnosed with leukaemia, is cycling the equivalent of Mount Everest to fund vital research.
James Badger, who lives in Kettlesing, last year marked the first anniversary of his wife Phillipa’s death by cycling 1,600km from Lands End to John O’Groats.
He raised £200,000 towards his £300,000 target, which is funding a research project into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
Mr Badger’s late wife was diagnosed with AML at the age of 42 and died less than two days later – leaving him and their three children behind.
Now, to mark the second anniversary of Phillipa’s death, Mr Badger and two friends will climb the equivalent of the world’s tallest mountain on a bike.
Instead of flying to Nepal, Mr Badger will cycle up and down Lackon Bank in Birstwith 90 times to cover the 8,900m distance.
The 1km hill, which runs past Phillipa’s grave at St James’ Church, has a 16% gradient at the start and averages around a 10% gradient as it continues.
Mr Badger said:
“To mark the second anniversary, I wanted to do something a bit different. Whereas our Lands End to John O’Groats challenge was very tough, it was spread over eight days and a lot of people have tackled that ride.
“Climbing the equivalent in height of Mount Everest in one day is something that not so many people have done. It is also closer to home and we’re hoping lots of people will come out and support us on the day.
“This is quite an extreme thing to attempt and is going to definitely be a harder challenge than last year. But for me it is also very personal, as we will be cycling past Philippa’s grave at St James’ Church in Birstwith 90 times before finally reaching the highest point on earth.”
Philippa Badger died within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with leukaemia, leaving behind her husband James and three young children.
The three-year research project into AML began at Cardiff University in January. Mr Badger is hopeful he can raise the final £100,000 to complete the project.
He also said:
“Through the work of BloodCancerUK, survival rates for childhood leukaemia have improved from just 10 per cent in the 1960s and 70s to almost 85 per cent.
“Research can make a real difference and AML has not had the same level of funding and research that childhood leukaemia has had, which is why it is so important for us to fund this research project.”
Mr Badger told the Stray Ferret he is feeling “very motivated for the ride” and said passing his wife’s grave on every lap will keep him going. He added:
“It will be a much harder challenge than cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats, physically and mentally, keeping going for 20 hours will be very tough, but with support of friends and family I am confident I’ll make it to the top!
“Training is going ok, but this is something I’m not sure I can ever fully prepare for!”
Mr Badger will take on the ‘Rise to the Stars’ challenge on Saturday, May 4.
He, along with friends Richard Baldwin and Adam Ellis, will start their challenge at 4am and hope to complete the ride by 11pm.
Mr Badger’s three children will support him during the challenge, and he welcomes anyone to watch them throughout the day.
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Local headteacher running London Marathon to support school family
The head of a Nidderdale school will take part in today’s London Marathon to support a family affected by blood cancer.
Nathan Sadler, headmaster of Belmont Grosvenor School in Birstwith, will be taking to the streets of the capital this morning to raise money for Blood Cancer UK.
He’s running in memory of Philippa Badger, whose three children were pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, who was just 42 when she died from acute myeloid leukaemia last year.
Mr Sadler is raising money to support her widow James, who is aiming to raise £300,000 for research into the condition.
At the same time as the marathon begins, Mr Badger will be setting off on an eight-day cycle ride from Lands End to John o’Groats with three friends.
Mr Sadler said:
“As a school community we want to do as much as we can to support James and his family in their fund-raising efforts in memory of Philippa.
“James is a truly inspirational man who is driven to raise the funds needed for what could be a life-changing research project. All money raised on my JustGiving page will get added directly to James Badger’s fundraising pot, to help reach his target.
“I am proud to wear the Blood Cancer UK colours and am looking forward to the electric atmosphere on Sunday, especially as other members of the BGS Community will be running and spectating in London as well.”
Read more:
- Harrogate man given two weeks to live calls for more blood cancer research
- Dad to cycle 1,600km to fund research into late wife’s cancer
A keen runner who has already completed seven marathons, Mr Sadler will be taking on three more in the next four weeks. As well as London, he will be running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on May 14 and a final 26.2 miles at Windermere on May 21.
To support Mr Sadler’s marathon efforts, click here.
Mrs Badger died just 36 hours after being diagnosed with AML on April 22 last year. Her children were aged 12, 10 and six at the time.
AML has a survival rate of just 10% and husband James is hoping to fund a three-year research project to improve its understanding and treatment.
Along with Richard Baldwin, Adam Ellis and Anthony Fraser, Mr Sadler is aiming to raise £100,000 through the 1,600km bike ride alone. He has already reached three-quarters of that target on his JustGiving page.
Harrogate district school launches parent and baby group to help with cost-of-living crisisA Harrogate district private primary school is launching a new free monthly parent and baby group for children up to the age of three.
Belmont Grosvenor School (BGS), which is based at Swarcliffe Hall in Birstwith, will hold its first session of First Steps in its Magic Tree Nursery on Friday, February 24.
Meeting on the last Friday of each month, parents and babies up to the age of 36 months will be offered a different free activity, such as yoga or dance, aimed at encouraging a child’s development in their early years.
Belmont Grosvenor School nursery manager Joanne Henderson said:
“At this time, when the entire country is struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, First Steps parent-and-baby group at BGS is something that is free and will hopefully benefit local families.
“The activities we have planned for our monthly meetings are experiences our children here at BGS enjoy and we wanted to share them with our local community.”
The first session, on February 24, will be Music and Dance, hosted by Belmont Grosvenor’s music co-ordinator Mrs Jo Sadler. Aimed at babies from birth to 18 months, the session will include action songs, stories and dance, as well as the chance to have fun with the musical instruments.
On Friday, March 31, there’s an Easter Egg scavenger hunt across Belmont Grosvenor’s 20 acres of grounds planned for older children, from 12-months to three years, with an Easter treat at the end.
Hazel Roman from Harrogate Baby Massage will be running a free First Steps class for parents and babies at BGS on Friday, April 28 while older children will be able to sign up for a Forest School session through First Steps on Friday, May 26.
All sessions are free and will run from 9.30 to 11am but need to be booked in advance. Free tea, coffee and snacks will be provided, as well as everything needed to take part.
To book a free slot, go to Belmont Grosvenor’s website, or call Belmont Grosvenor on 01423 771029, or email admin@belmontgrosvenor.co.uk.
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Nidderdale school celebrates top rating from inspectors
A school in Nidderdale has been praised by inspectors for its education – including an ‘outstanding’ rating for its nursery.
Belmont Grosvenor School in Birstwith, which caters for children up to 11 years old, was visited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which regulates private schools across England.
It was found to meet all eight requirements in its preparatory school, including pupil welfare, quality of education, and its leadership and management. The ISI does not give a rating to schools it inspects in this way.
Meanwhile, its Magic Tree Nursery was given a full inspection and rated ‘outstanding’. In their report, inspectors said:
“Staff demonstrate a deep knowledge of how children of this age learn and develop. All children under the age of three make at least good and often rapid progress from their starting points and are well prepared for the next stage in their education.
“Children’s personal and emotional development is clearly well supported, and the children consistently demonstrate that they feel safe, secure and happy, willing to engage not only with familiar staff but also with visitors.
“Staff have an excellent understanding of safeguarding and welfare requirements, and they fulfil their responsibility for protecting children diligently. Leaders and managers demonstrate strong commitment to continuous improvement through detailed cohesive self-evaluation and a clear vision for future developments.
“This ensures that all children receive the best possible support and care.”
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The report also praised the clear direction given to staff by the leadership, strong links with parents, and the opportunities offered to children at the nursery.
The inspectors added:
“Extremely effective care practices support children’s emotional security and the development of their character.
“The exceptional relationships that children have with the adults around them are built on strong, secure attachments. Each key person’s excellent knowledge of their children’s unique needs ensure they know how to respond effectively.”
The report said there could be more use of natural resources to enhance children’s play, and that the governors could be more involved in providing vision and oversight to the nursery to ensure it continued to perform well.
Headmaster Mr Nathan Sadler, who joined Belmont Grosvenor School at the start of the academic year, said”
28 Harrogate district street parties planned as jubilee nears“Our school community is very pleased with the outcome of the inspection. Most pleasingly, the inspection team could not sing the praises of our pupils enough, describing them as an absolute delight.
“The inspection process is a great validation tool and will also help us determine what will come next at BGS.”
This article is sponsored by Boundless Networks
Jubilee excitement is increasing across the district ahead of the start of four days of celebration tomorrow,
This weekend will see street parties galore as neighbours and friends come together to commemorate the Queen’s 70-year reign.
Keep us updated on what you’re doing via contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
4.40pm: 28 street parties in Harrogate district
North Yorkshire County Council has issued orders preventing traffic from entering 28 streets in the Harrogate district over the jubilee weekend.
Most orders are for Sunday, which is the main day for street parties, but there are some for Friday and Saturday.
Remember, many of these events are for residents living on the streets to enjoy so if you don’t live on the street check with the organisers before you attend.
3.56pm: Motorway works in Yorkshire paused for jubilee
Good news if you’re planning to head out on the motorways, including the A1(M) in the Harrogate district, over the next four days.
National Highways, the government-owned company that maintains the motorways, has halted most roadworks.
We’re lifting almost 1000 miles of roadworks ahead of the #Jubilee bank holiday weekend, meaning that 98% of our network will be roadwork free.
Information on the planned closures that are still going ahead can be found here:https://t.co/ytYaVU0s8b#WeAreWorkingForYou pic.twitter.com/UR06U0JHOP— National Highways: Yorkshire (@HighwaysYORKS) June 1, 2022
1.30pm: Jubilee celebrations begin in Bilton
A jubilee celebration took place this morning at the weekly coffee morning Thirst, held at Dene Park Community Centre in Woodfield and organised by St John’s Church in Bilton.
12.09pm: Weather forecast good – except for Sunday
There won’t be too much sunbathing but at least it will be mainly dry, although the forecast for Sunday doesn’t look great for the street parties.
10.15am: Preparations in place in Ripon
Preparations are also in place in Ripon ahead of the platinum jubilee celebrations tomorrow.
A road closure will be in place around Market Square in readiness for the stage where 24 acts will be performing.
Meanwhile, red, white and blue flags are flying in Kirkgate and across the city centre.
Ripon Cathedral is decked out in finery for tomorrow’s civic service. It will also host jubilee tea party on Friday afternoon with people born in every year of the Queen’s reign in attendance.
Dean John Dobson told the Stray Ferret:
“It’s going to be very busy few days, but everybody is looking forward to this special celebration.”
10am – Fresh bunting on West Park Stray
Fresh bunting has been put up this morning on West Park Stray as excitement builds up for the jubilee.
Preparations for Jubilee Square on the Stray are expected to continue throughout today.
9am: Harrogate Borough Council issues street party bins plea
Waste and recycling collections are happening as usual over the four-day weekend, prompting Harrogate Borough Council to say:
“If you’ve put bunting up in your village or across your street please ensure it is high enough for our vehicles – and emergency vehicles – to get past.”
We're operating a business-as-usual waste and recycling collection service this week.
If you're unsure you can check your collection day on the In My Area section of our website at: https://t.co/dkWa0QqOBn pic.twitter.com/yLvllUHmSY
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) May 30, 2022
Kirkby Overblow crafts its own jubilee beacon
People in Kirkby Overblow have come together to make a jubilee beacon.
The beacon has been designed, made and engineered by locals ahead of it being lit on Thursday night.
The groundwork and engineering plans were done by the Moortown group, ran by the McManus family from Kearby. The Oak Pole was made by Yorkshire Oak Frames.
The horse shoe basket was made from old horseshoes from the Great Yorkshire Shoe by farrier Adam Fox, from Netherby, as a nod to the Queen’s love of horses.
The final step to get it in place was the job of local farmer Rob Parkes.
The village will also host a BBQ on Thursday ahead of the beacon being lit. Organisers say the beacon will be able to be seen as far away as Almscliffe Crag and the White Horse near Thirsk.
Windsor House rebrands as The House of Windsor
The Windsor House in Harrogate has rebranded itself to The House of Windsor ahead of the jubilee.
The period office building, near Valley Gardens, has also been decorated. Passers-by will now see the Queen, in cardboard form, stood alongside the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Karen Winspear, property manager at Windsor House said:
“We wanted to create something to celebrate the jubilee that the businesses in our building could enjoy, as well as those who will be visiting the number of events planned at Valley Gardens. With a name like ours, we couldn’t resist a royal makeover to mark such a fantastic occasion!”
Queen Mary’s jubilee hat parade
Students at Queen Mary’s School at Topcliffe wore straw hats when they took part in a jubilee hat parade.
Judged by hat maker Jonny Beardsall, the parade also included a performance of the platinum jubilee song.
There was also a picnic and a summer fete. 
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Belmont Grosvenor School hosts jubilee garden party
“Our BGS Jubilee Garden Party was an afternoon to remember with all our school community, from the youngest in nursery, to our oldest pupils in Year 6, joining in and enjoying all the fun of the fair.“There was some wonderful baking, and some most impressive artistic creations – thanks to our PTA for staging such a fabulous event.”
