A determined supporter is preparing to cycle from London to Amsterdam this summer to raise funds for our children’s hospice care after being inspired by one of our incredible ambassadors.
David Cooke, from Old Town, will take on the 200-mile challenge from July 2 to 4 in support of Julia’s House, helping us continue providing vital care and support to local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
David’s fundraiser was inspired by 18-year-old Oscar Moulding, who has muscular dystrophy and received support from our care team for eight years.
Earlier this year, we shared Oscar’s story in our Newsletter and on our website, where he reflected on the difference our care made to him and his family over the years. Reading Oscar’s experiences moved David to take on the challenge.
To help share David’s fundraiser and raise awareness of the challenge, Oscar and David have also worked together to create a special video highlighting why supporting Julia’s House means so much to them both.
“I read Oscar’s article on the Julia’s House website, which was absolutely fantastic,” said David. “I thought it was such an inspiration to hear about how he used the charity and how they’d helped him and his family.”
David added: “I’m cycling from London to Amsterdam in three days. It’s about 200 miles and it’s going to be a long way but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Oscar has since transitioned out of our care after turning 18 years old, but continues to support Julia’s House as an ambassador through advocacy and public speaking.
Looking back on his time with us, Oscar spoke warmly about the memories he created through our activity days, outings and special events, as well as the close bonds he formed with our nurses and carers.
“Being looked after by Julia’s House is amazing,” said Oscar. “It made my life easier and more fun. It also helped my brother and parents to have a break. We had days out, parties and activity days.”
He added: “Please sponsor David to help other children have a good life, like me.”
Oscar also shared how our support helped him feel at peace with his condition and grateful for the experiences and friendships he gained along the way.
At Julia’s House, we provide care at family's homes and at our hospices in Devizes and Corfe Mullen, offering respite, activities and emotional support tailored to every family we support. Fundraising challenges like David’s cycle ride play a vital role in helping us continue this work.
David hopes to raise at least £1,000 for Julia’s House, and thanks to generous supporters, nearly half of the target has already been reached.
We’re incredibly grateful to David for taking on this challenge and helping us continue bringing comfort, care and special moments to local families when they need us most.
To support David’s fundraiser and follow his challenge, visit his JustGiving page.
