Gyms, spin classes and businesses across West Yorkshire will be hosting some special cycle sessions this autumn to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week 9th-15th October.

Forget Me Not children’s hospice’s Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge aims to cycle 4,745 miles, in memory of the 4,745 babies who sadly die during pregnancy or shortly after birth each year in the UK. The cycle challenge will help raise vital funds to support Forget Me Not’s work with families devastated by the loss of their baby.

Already signed up to take part are Village Gym Leeds South, Pure Gym Thorpe Park, Body Evolution Fitness (BEFIT) in Huddersfield, AVL Fitness Gym in Slaithwaite, Fourth Quarter Fitness and 1Vigor in Halifax, Oragyms in Shepley, and Kirklees Active Leisure.

Aaron Van Leeuwen, owner of AVL Fitness Gym, said: “Every one of those 4,745 miles represents a baby, a family and a loss that should never be forgotten.

At AVL Fitness Gym, community means everything to us, and we’re proud to come together, push ourselves and help raise awareness for something that truly matters. As a gym owner, I’ve always believed a gym should be more than just a place to train, it should be at the heart of its community.

I’m incredibly proud that AVL Fitness Gym can play its part in such a powerful challenge and help turn 4,745 miles into awareness, support and remembrance.”

Georgia Lane, fundraising manager at Forget Me Not said: “Our Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge is an opportunity to support families of babies whose lives shone brightly but far too briefly, like shooting stars. Every mile cycled and every pound raised will help our team provide vital midwifery support, counselling and a place for families to spend time with their babies, making precious memories to last a lifetime.

Anyone can join in, either at a participating gym cycle session, at home, or out and about on their bikes.

Or they can jump on the static bike at Russell House, our purpose-built facility in Huddersfield on 10th October when we’re opening our doors to the public.

A big thank you to the gyms already signed up – but we want more to join them! If you’re part of a gym or cycling club that isn’t yet part of the challenge, give them a nudge - we’d love to hear from them!”

As well as taking part in the Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge, visitors to Forget Me Not’s open days on Thursday 8th October (businesses and schools 10am-4pm) and Saturday 10th October (open to all - 10am-2pm), will have the chance to explore facilities like the sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, cinema and soft play area. Russell House is on Fell Greave Road, Bradley, Huddersfield HD2 1NH.



To see a list of participating gyms and cycle clubs and to sign up for the Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge visit https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/supporting-us/events/shooting-stars-cycling-challenge/