By KLTV Newsdesk –

Gyms, cycling clubs and businesses across West Yorkshire are being urged to get involved in the Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge this October

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is calling on gyms, spin classes, cycling clubs and businesses across West Yorkshire to get on their bikes this autumn as part of a special challenge marking Baby Loss Awareness Week, 9th–15th October.

The charity’s Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge aims to clock up 4,745 miles – one mile in memory of each of the 4,745 babies who sadly die during pregnancy or shortly after birth each year in the UK.

The challenge will raise vital funds for Forget Me Not’s work supporting families devastated by the loss of a baby.

Gyms across West Yorkshire sign up

A number of gyms and fitness organisations have already signed up to take part, including Village Gym Leeds South, Pure Gym Thorpe Park, Body Evolution Fitness (BEFIT) in Huddersfield, AVL Fitness Gym in Slaithwaite, Fourth Quarter Fitness and 1Vigor in Halifax, Oragyms in Shepley, and Kirklees Active Leisure.

Aaron Van Leeuwen, owner of AVL Fitness Gym, said: “Every one of those 4,745 miles represents a baby, a family and a loss that should never be forgotten.

“At AVL Fitness Gym, community means everything to us, and we’re proud to come together, push ourselves and help raise awareness for something that truly matters. As a gym owner, I’ve always believed a gym should be more than just a place to train; it should be at the heart of its community.

“I’m incredibly proud that AVL Fitness Gym can play its part in such a powerful challenge and help turn 4,745 miles into awareness, support and remembrance.”

Every mile helps support bereaved families

The challenge is designed to remember babies whose lives were tragically short, while raising funds to help Forget Me Not provide specialist support to families.

Georgia Lane, fundraising manager at Forget Me Not, said: “Our Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge is an opportunity to support families of babies whose lives shone brightly but far too briefly, like shooting stars. Every mile cycled, and every pound raised will help our team provide vital midwifery support, counselling and a place for families to spend time with their babies, making precious memories to last a lifetime.

“Anyone can join in, either at a participating gym cycle session, at home, or out and about on their bikes.

“Or they can jump on the static bike at Russell House, our purpose-built facility in Huddersfield, on 10th October when we’re opening our doors to the public.

“A big thank you to the gyms already signed up – but we want more to join them! If you’re part of a gym or cycling club that isn’t yet part of the challenge, give them a nudge – we’d love to hear from them!”

Russell House to open its doors

Members of the public can also take part during Forget Me Not’s open day at Russell House on Saturday 10th October, with the charity’s static bike available for visitors to use.

The hospice will also host an open day for businesses and schools on Thursday 8th October, from 10 am to 4 pm, followed by a public open day on Saturday 10th October, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Forget Me Not’s facilities, including its sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, cinema and soft play area.

Russell House is located on Fell Greave Road, Bradley, Huddersfield, HD2 1NH.

Gyms and cycling clubs can find out more about the Shooting Stars Cycling Challenge, see participating venues and sign up through Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.