Family and friends of Barrow dad-of-two David ‘Gibbo’ Gibbons, who passed away unexpectedly in January, have fulfilled one of his last wishes – raising funds for the region’s specialist Critical Care Unit at the Royal Preston Hospital – by taking on a challenge David would himself have favoured.
Led by his widow Julie and daughter Ashleigh, the “Gear up for Gibbo” peloton cycled 83.4 miles from the hospital home to Barrow, achieving a £9,000 donation via their online fundraising page for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity (LTHC) in support of the unit.
Of her 62-year-old dad, who had recently retired from his long-held job at BAE Systems and was secretary of Barrow Island Bowling Club, Ashleigh said: “My dad was really fit.
“My dad loved crown green bowling, walking and cycling. He had taken part in the Keswick to Barrow walk nine times and this year, was hoping to reach his 10th time in support of various charities. He also regularly cycled and took part in in the Tour de Furness, again supporting local charities.
Ashleigh continued: “Dad was taken to Furness General Hospital. It was originally suspected that he had suffered a heart attack but doctors then discovered he had an osephageal tumour. Usually, they grow on the inside of the osephagus causing swallowing difficulties but dad’s had grown on the outside. He had had no symptoms whatsoever.
“As it had grown, the tumour had torn his esophagus causing the contents of his stomach to leak into his chest cavity and into his blood stream causing sepsis. He was transferred to the Critical Care Unit at the Royal Preston on the Sunday and was on life support until the Wednesday when he came round and was able to talk to us. However, he then began deteriorating and passed away on Saturday, 17th January, with his family by his side.
“Dad told us he was in awe of the care he had received from the Critical Care Unit team and said he’d like to fundraise in support of the unit. He was nursed in a bed costing £25,000 and he managed to tell us he wanted to raise funds for a new one.”
For the Preston to Barrow cycle, Julie and Ashleigh, who had had special “Gear up for Gibbo” t-shirts printed, were joined by Ashleigh’s wife Vicky. Also riding alongside them were Ashleigh’s cousins Kian and Jessica and Jessica’s partner Dan, cousin Hannah’s partner Joe, family friends Tracey, Ali, James, Paul and Lucy and Tracey’s son-in-law Ben.
Other family and friends in support vehicles then met up with the group every 10 miles of the way and a homecoming gathering was set up at The Hub, Cavendish Park, to welcome the riders back home.
Ashleigh added: “We are very grateful to everyone who took part in the ride, supported us along the way and sponsored us.”
But the family are not yet done with their LTHC fundraising in David’s memory. They have a ticketed gala event at Abbey House Hotel planned for Friday, 24th July, featuring local vocalists, who are all donating their time and talent to perform. They have also recruited local bakers, who are gifting puddings and sweets to a desserts table for guests to enjoy post their starter and main courses. Limited tickets are still available.
In addition, Ashleigh’s brother Lewis, who lives in Sydney, Australia, has a sponsored run in August, while Ashleigh is assembling a Peaks for Pounds team to take on the National Three Peaks Challenge )– climbs of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon to be completed within 24-hours – next June (2027).
LTHC fundraiser Lucy Clark said: “Our thanks to Julie, Ashleigh and everyone who geared up for David to raise this wonderful donation for the Critical Care Unit. Following David’s lead and taking on a cycling challenge, something David had done plenty of, is a really thoughtful tribute.”