Teenager’s bike challenge raises money for Sheffield hospital

A 14-year-old boy plans to cycle 335 miles (540 km) to Amsterdam to raise money in memory of his best friend who died of cancer.

Layton, from Retford, wanted to raise money for Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, which helped care for his friend Daisy.

The journey, from London to the Dutch capital, starts on Wednesday and will last four days, passing through four countries.

“Every time I ride my bike, I just think about how tough she was and the hard times she had,” he said.

Layton said Daisy was his “best friend” and was told she had cancer while in primary school in 2021.

“I couldn’t believe it when she was diagnosed,” he said.

Daisy’s tumor spread from her kidney, and despite recovering from the cancer three times, she died just before Christmas in 2023.

“It was horrible. I told her I would always be there for her. She was a fighter,” Layton said.

Daisy was cared for at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Layton was constantly raising money to support the charity.

His latest challenge, in the form of a giant bike ride, will be completed in her honour, he said.

However, Layton said being the only child to take on the challenge on Wednesday meant he needed an adult to accompany him, prompting his mother to train for the walk as well.

“I had to pull one of my parents and I couldn’t see my dad doing it so I had to ask my mum. He had no choice,” he said.

Layton added that he is looking forward to being on the bike and completing the challenge in memory of his best friend.

“Daisy always had a smile on her face, always happy, never showed anything but happiness,” he said.