On Sunday 15th and Monday 16th June, Francesca Lennon and Darren Holmes took part in a 24-hour cycling challenge ‘Spin for the Stars’ at the start of Children’s Hospice Week. This represented the 24-hour care children’s hospices across the UK are giving families and has raised £4,000 for Together for Short Lives.

Together for Short lives is the UK’s children’s palliative care charity. As well as campaigning for change and supporting families, it represents and raises money for the UK’s 53 children’s hospices, including Helen & Douglas House to make sure that children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families can make the most of every moment they have together, whether that’s for years, months or only hours. 

Riding for a reason: 24 hours of support

The concept was simple but powerful. Over 24 hours, two stationary bikes didn’t stop spinning, symbolising the non-stop care provided by families and hospice teams for children with life-limiting conditions. Community members signed up for 30-minute or 1-hour slots at Francesca’s home in Croxley to take a turn in the saddle, with 50 riders attending in person and another 16 joining virtually from across the UK. A special Kids’ Hour on Sunday afternoon brought in younger supporters who pedalled in honour of their peers. However Darren Holmes cycled the full 24 hours!

A personal story of love, loss and hope

Francesca who spent several years as a specialist nurse at Helen & Douglas House, organised the event not only to raise funds but to raise awareness through CHAT UK (Children’s Hospices Across the UK) – a project she founded to champion children’s hospices and advocate for the support families so desperately need. CHAT UK partners with Together for Short Lives to amplify the voices of children’s palliative care teams and the families they serve. Francesca said:

“I also wanted to create a space to honour and remember all the children who have died, including those whose families may not have received hospice support to ensure they can in future. This event was dedicated to children I have cared for Henry, Neve, Max, Alessandra, Joshua, Roman, Anaaya and Grace with thanks to their families, who have been part of CHAT UK from the beginning -and every child whose light still shines in my heart.”

Darren’s ride for Alessandra

Darren, from Marcham, rode in memory of his daughter Alessandra, who sadly died aged 8 in February 2025.Helen & Douglas House played a vital role in Alessandra’s life and continues to support her family today. Darren said:

“Alessandra had access to remarkable care and support from Helen & Douglas. It was Alessandra’s home from home. It was a place where she could play, relax, wander in the garden, feel the breeze on her skin, kick her legs in the therapeutic pool, make cakes and crafts. They provided a safe haven for her and our family. From respite and symptom management stays to remote medical advice any time of day or night on the phone, Helen & Douglas House were there to help.

 

More recently they collaborated closely with hospital and community teams to ensure Alessandra’s end-of-life care was well managed, with her comfort in mind. The Helen & Douglas House team organised a mermaid tea party for Alessandra and her friends. They sheltered Alessandra in her final days with care and compassion and enabled our family to stay together prior to and following her death. Children’s hospices like Helen & Douglas House providing this vital lifeline is only possible through kind donations.”

Continuing the mission

The ‘Spin for the Stars’ event shines a light on what often goes unseen: the long hours and expert care given around the clock to terminally ill children and their families. It’s care that enables parents to just be parents, siblings to still laugh and play, and children like Alessandra to live life with joy and dignity, no matter how short.

Thanks to everyone who took part, donated, and shared the story. ‘Spin for the Stars’ has not only raised vital funds, but also vital awareness. Together, we can help ensure no family faces these challenges alone.