Rochdale friends complete epic 1,500km Arctic Ascent cycling challenge, and raise more than £122,000 for charity
Three friends from Rochdale have successfully completed an extraordinary 1,500km Arctic cycling challenge in memory of their much-loved friend Simon “Teddy” Taylor, who tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack in 2023.
Tim Knight, Tim Fairley and David Kennedy completed their ten-day endurance ride from Oslo, Norway, to Bodø, crossing some of Europe’s most breathtaking and demanding landscapes before reaching the Arctic Circle on the 16 June 2026.
The trio took on the challenge to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation and Springhill Hospice, two causes that hold deep personal meaning for them. Their journey was both a tribute to Teddy’s life and a way to recognise the devastating impact of heart disease, while also supporting the exceptional care provided by Springhill Hospice to patients and their loved ones.
To date, the challenge has raised an incredible £122,311.35, including £18,902.13 in Gift Aid, with the final fundraising total still being confirmed. All money raised will be split equally between Springhill Hospice and the British Heart Foundation.
David Kennedy spoke about his personal connection to Springhill Hospice:
“My father sadly passed away 15 years ago, and he was brought into the Hospice in his final hours. The care, love and support they gave myself and my family in that difficult, traumatic time was unbelievable and is something I will never forget as long as I live. That is one of the prime drivers why I took on this challenge.”
Vicki Barnett, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Tim, Tim and David for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in memory of Teddy. Cycling 1,500 kilometres to the Arctic Circle is an amazing achievement, but what makes it even more special is the reason behind it. Their determination, generosity and commitment have inspired so many people, and the phenomenal amount they have raised will make a real difference to patients and families cared for by Springhill Hospice. On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the team and to every single person who has supported them along the way. Teddy’s legacy will continue to touch lives through this incredible act of kindness.
Although the challenge has now come to an end, the fundraising page remains open. If anyone would still like to support Tim, Tim and David’s incredible efforts, every donation, no matter the size, will help both Springhill Hospice and the British Heart Foundation continue their vital work.”
The Arctic Ascent covered approximately 1,500km and involved more than 55,000ft (17,000m) of climbing, pushing the trio to their physical and mental limits. Throughout the challenge, they battled tough terrain and demanding conditions, all while carrying the memory of Teddy with them and drawing on the support of everyone who donated.
Speaking about completing the challenge, the trio said:
“We wanted to complete this challenge in memory of our dear friend Teddy and to support two amazing charities. Springhill is very close to our hearts as it is our local hospice, and two of us have experienced first-hand the incredible care the Hospice provides. The British Heart Foundation is also hugely important because of the life-saving research they continue to fund.
“The support we have received has been unbelievable. Knowing that so many people were behind us helped us through the toughest moments and has made completing this challenge even more special.”
Tess Swainson, Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation said:
“It was such a privilege to watch the progress and Herculean efforts of Tim, Tim and David from afar through monitoring their trackers and following their updates on social media.
“They showed extraordinary grit and determination in challenging conditions some days, to see the Arctic Ascent through in honour of their dear friend Teddy, and to support both the BHF and Springhill Hospice. I know there will have been those who intended to donate at the time and perhaps they feel the moment passed – well the good news is that with the fundraising link remaining active, they can still make a contribution. It doesn’t matter how big or small, we know these three wonderful friends and all of us will be incredibly grateful for the contribution to help power more life-saving research.”
The Arctic Ascent was about far more than cycling. It was a celebration of friendship, a tribute to Teddy’s memory and a powerful reminder of the difference people can make when they come together for causes close to their hearts.
There is still time to support the trio, with their fundraising page remaining open until September :
