Tooting dad to cycle 700km in memory of son Leo, for St George’s Hospital
A Tooting dad, whose seven-month-old son Leo sadly died this year, has raised a whopping £65000 for the neonatal unit at St George’s hospital.
James Kennedy, and his team of Lions, will be setting off on an epic charity cycle ride on Monday (18 October), in memory of little Leo Kennedy.
The team, many of whom are new to cycling long distances, will be riding from Barcelona to St Tropez covering distances of around 150km a day, to complete 700km in total!
Twins Leo and Max were born at just 23 weeks and cared for by specialist neonatal team at St George’s hospital. Max joined the family at home at six months old but sadly, his brother Leo, passed away earlier this year.
James said: “Both Kate and I are simply lost for words at the amazing kindness and generosity that everyone has showed. When we doubled the target to £60K I really thought we wouldn’t get anywhere near that mark, but somehow we’ve managed to pass that today.”
First Touch Charity at St George’s support many families going through the ‘ride of their lives’ when their babies are born prematurely.
Neonatal Consultant, Dr Sijo Francis said: “James and Kate have gone through an incredible trauma but have turned that around into something very positive that will benefit the care we provide to other children for years to come. They are simply inspiring and on behalf of everyone at St George’s I want to thank them for what they are doing and wish everyone on Team Lions the best of luck.”
You can follow Team Lions journey and progress and donate to First Touch, the neonatal charity at St George’s, via Just Giving.
James said: “I read every single message from each donation and it gives me great motivation for the ride next week. I’m super excited to get going now.”
