A GRIEVING dad will be cycling 187km in one day to honour his late son and raise money for the children’s hospices that cared for him.

Tom Bancroft, 50, from Old Colwyn, lost his son Karl in 2016.

 

Tom Bancroft.

Tom Bancroft.

 

Karl was just 23 when he died and had lived with the condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Karl Bancroft.

Karl Bancroft.

 

During Karl’s life, the Bancroft family had accessed care support, respite and counselling at both Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices – the charity Tom will be cycling for.

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Tom said: “Karl had stayed at Hope House in Oswestry and then at Tŷ Gobaith in Conwy when it opened.

“They provided excellent care as well as much-needed respite for my wife and I. Karl became very popular there.”

 

Tom Bancroft.

Tom Bancroft.

 

In 2010, Tom undertook a 59 mile run across Wales from Tŷ Gobaith to Hope House but wanted to once again challenge himself for another extra special reason.

Tom explained: “Tŷ Gobaith provided counselling for us after Karl’s passing, which helped a lot, but I still struggle with having a purpose in life.

“I now have a three year-old grandson, Jenson who also has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“Spending time with him is a double-edged sword.

“It is wonderful and he’s a very happy lad, but it reminds me of Karl and what is to come.

“This is why I decided to challenge myself again and raise money for the hospices and the work they do.”

 

The Bancroft family: Jenson with his mum Jasmine, Tom, and Toms wife Kerrie.

The Bancroft family: Jenson with his mum Jasmine, Tom, and Tom's wife Kerrie.

 

Tom’s wife Kerrie will be supporting him on the day by coming along on the road with encouragement and supplies when he takes the challenge on Wednesday, March 20.

Looking ahead to the challenge, Tom said: “I’m a bit nervous but feeling fairly confident and just hope the weather is kind to us.”

Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser, Andy Everly has been supporting Tom in the build-up to the ride and said: “I greatly admire Tom for taking on the gruelling challenge of a 187km cycle ride in memory of Karl and to contribute to the future care of his grandson, Jensen.

“His unwavering determination is a testament to Tom's commitment to making a difference, not just for his own family, but for all the families we support."