Man completes 63 mile charity cycle of town perimeter just two days after dad's death

Adam Fernley, 22, was due to complete a mammoth cycle around the town on Thursday October 1 with his father Paul due to wave him off from the hospice – but Paul died on Tuesday September 29.

There was no doubt in Adam’s mind that he was going to carry on with the cycle.

He said: “The night before he passed he said to me he didn’t think he had anything left – I said there’s no way I’d do it without him.

“He said if you start something you finish it, and I decided no matter what happened I’d finish it.”

Paul, 63, had been a day patient at the hospice and was suffering from bowel and liver cancer.

Adam was joined on the cycle by Andy, his manager from work, and his best friend Liam.

Beginning at St Rocco’s Hospice, the trio headed out to Burtonwood and completed a 63-mile circuit of Warrington that took in Croft, Lymm, Walton, Penketh and everywhere in between before returning to Bewsey.

They completed the route in five hours.

Latchford resident Adam added: “It was difficult and a bit more difficult without my dad being there – it was two days after he passed.

“It wasn’t the actual ride that was difficult it was the fact that he wasn’t there – it was difficult because of that but the maddest thing was it ended up being 63 miles and he was 63.

“I think my dad got us lost on purpose to get us to 63 miles.

“During the actual last run back towards Roccos I had a spurt of energy and the others told me to slow down.

“Andy did 50 miles the day before – he’s used to it – but me and Liam haven’t rode for a few years to that extent.”

And Adam is now planning to climb Mount Snowdon and cycle from Lands End to John O’ Groats for St Roccos and MacMillan Cancer Support.

“I want to give something back for the help they’ve given my dad.

“They’ve been great, he’s been unable to do anything and helped with his care and helped my mum – rather than be stuck at home to look after dad she gets a day off.”