Young Franklen cycles for Charity

Six-year-old Franklen Howell-Horsely from Stoke-on-Trent, who recently completed an astonishing 20-mile bike ride from Bet365 Stadium to the Alexandra Stadium, has so far helped to raised more than £1,000 for charity.

(Article by Staffordshire University student Uzair Hussain) 

The event which was done in the name of CRY (Cardiac Risk in Young) and the Dan Hughes Memorial Fund, has so far seen Franklen raise £1116 (£1322 in gift aid).

“Franklen only took his stabilisers off is bike in March and after going on bike rides, he said to me that he wanted to do something big and also to raise money for charity and asked what he could do,” says dad Martin, who accompanied his son on the cycle ride.

“Franklen didn’t realise at first that he could raise money which could help save lives – and now he has.”

Martin, who along with Franklen has recently been a guest on the Hitmix 107.5, chatting about the fundraiser added: “I have been amazed at how far the event has gone as did not even expect to raise £100 let alone the thousand Franklen has managed to raise for CRY. It’s incredible and we really appreciate everyone’s support.

“I’d also like to thank the Hitmix radio station – Robbie, Jane, Sonya –  Dave Hughes, The Leek town crier, Leek Link taxis and everybody who had waved and cheered.”

CRY was founded in 1995 to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, and to support affected families. Dan Hughes passed away in 2015 unexpectedly from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) and since their son’s death, parents Dave and Sue Hughes set up a memorial fund in Dan’s name to help stage heart screening days with national charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Dave Hughes said: “From the family of Dan Hughes thankyou to Fanklen and Martin for their 20-mile bike ride. At just 6 years old Franklen may be to young to realise the enormity of what he has achieved, his efforts will pay for young people to undergo heart screening and help to prevent another young sudden cardiac death such as Daniels.

 

“Hopefully your efforts will have encouraged people to find out about CRY and the vital work that they do to save lives, well done and thank you to you both.”

Franklen, who has previously climbed Ben Nevis and has enjoyed a sunrise on Mount Snowdon, is now hoping to host a charity football match.

“While there is no set date or event for the match,” said Martin. “Hopefully we will be able to arrange this and would like others to get involved.”

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