When Dan Caselton takes on the UK’s toughest mountain bike challenge, it will be thoughts of his late niece, Daisy that will be powering him across the rough terrain

Daisy died at just three years old after suffering what doctors called “a one in a million” brain aneurism over Christmas 2014.

Daisy who died aged just three

Lifeline to families

Keen mountain biker Dan lives in Tal y Bont in the Conwy Valley, a stone’s throw away from Tŷ Gobaith and cycles past most mornings training for the Ard Rock Enduro event which takes place in Reeth, Yorkshire on the weekend of 21^st-23^rd July.

He will be raising funds for our hospices.

Dan, 38, a former soldier who served in the Royal Artillery 16^th Regiment, said: “It’s still a bit difficult to talk about Daisy, but we as a family have seen first-hand the amazing work the hospices do.

“They really are a lifeline to so many families.

“After Daisy’s death her grandparents began to take Christmas presents to the hospice for children and families there – that’s how the connection came about.”

Dan Caselton outside Tŷ Gobaith

Help with grieving 

Dan now works as a Driver Trainer at Brakes Food Service in Bodelwyddan and feels the strenuous miles and concentration required for off-road cycling have been of huge benefit.

He said: “Getting out cycling in the mountains has definitely helped with the grieving process and mental health aspect.

“My dad now even has an electric bike and we go out together which has been great for us both.”

Dan gets some practice in on the trails near Tal Y Fan mountain

Nerves

On the Enduro challenge, Dan said: “I wanted to do something to get me back into it again and something with a real purpose for a great cause.

“I’ve started gravel biking also recently and have been getting practice in at Gwydir Forest and on the famous Marin Trail.

“The Enduro is a long, technically challenging course.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and to tell the truth I’m quite nervous.”

The Ard Rock Enduro is a 45km technical riding event that will see competitors climb and descend over 3,000ft of steep and rocky single track path.

It forms part of a wider festival but is the headline event and will test riders for anywhere between four and five and a half hours.

Sponsor Dan here