Ilkley dads raise over £11k to support Airedale Hospital and Community Charity

Sam Prus, Will Schaffer, Joe Smith, Martyn Stocker and Emma in Airedale’s Sunbeam garden

Will Schaffer, Sam Prus, Martyn Stocker, Joe Smith, and Dan Chadwick took on the 82-mile Dales Way walk with a goal to complete the challenge in under 36 hours.

The funds raised will be split between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s Sunbeam Support Group which provides a welcoming space for anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby or young child and the Children’s Unit which provides hospital care for over 20,000 children and young people each year. Between them, the dads and their families have faced neonatal emergencies, pregnancy loss, IVF, and complicated births - and each was met with extraordinary care at Airedale.

Martyn said:

“Our goal was always to complete this challenge one way or another. We were unfortunate with the weather on our first attempt and only managed to complete 60 miles of the 82. It became very unsafe to continue so reluctantly we decided to attempt the remaining 22 miles another day.

“It felt incredible being able to complete the full 82 miles and we’re all very grateful for everyone that has supported our fundraising efforts. To our friends, families, colleagues and community, thank you for your donations, kind words of support and for helping us to get through this challenge. We couldn’t have done it without your support.”

Each dad has a powerful and deeply personal story - and together they have taken on this challenge to give back to the hospital that helped their families through so much.

If you would like to read the stories that inspired the challenge, please visit the teams’ JustGiving page: Sam Prus is fundraising for Airedale Hospital & Community Charity 

Jodie Hearnshaw, Airedale Hospital and Community Charity Manager said:

“We’re so grateful to Will, Sam, Martyn, Joe and Dan for taking on this epic challenge. They have inspired us from day one with their strength and determination after overcoming experiences that no family ever imagines taking place.

“We’re working closely with the respective teams here at Airedale to fund specialist equipment so future families can be supported in the same way.”