Arctic Ascent: Three friends from Rochdale take on 1,500km Arctic Cycling Challenge
Three old friends from Rochdale are preparing to take on an extraordinary endurance 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 will set off from Oslo, Norway on the 7th June 2026, embarking on a gruelling ten-day cycle through some of Europe’s most breathtaking and punishing landscapes, heading north to the Arctic Circle where they will finish in Bodø on the 16th June 2026.
The trio have chosen to support British Heart Foundation and Springhill Hospice through this challenge, both as a tribute to the life of Simon “Teddy” Taylor and in recognition of the devastating impact of heart disease. For two of the members, Springhill Hospice is a deeply personal cause having seen first-hand the exceptional specialised end-of-life care provided by Springhill Hospice to their own family members.
David Kennedy has spoken about his personal experience with 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 am doing this challenge.”
Vicki Barnett, Senior Corporate Fundraiser said, “We are incredibly grateful that Tim, Tim and David have once again chosen to support Springhill Hospice. We are inspired by their commitment and determination, and we know this will be both a physically and emotionally demanding journey. Every pound they raise for Springhill Hospice will help us continue providing vital care and support to local patients and their families, and we are proud to be supporting them throughout this challenge.”
Tim, David and Tim’s mission is clear: to raise awareness and £100,000 for causes close to their hearts. All funds raised will be split equally between Springhill Hospice and The British Heart Foundation. These vital funds will help support people during their most difficult moments and contribute to life-saving research and care initiatives.
Covering approximately 1,500km and climbing more than 55,000ft (17,000m), the challenge is as tough as it is meaningful – designed to honour both Teddy’s memory and the strength of the friendship that continues to inspire them.
Speaking about the challenge, the trio say that it is about far more than cycling:
“We want 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 had first-hand experience of the incredible care the Hospice provides and the British Heart Foundation so they are able to continue their life saving research.“
Tess Swainson, Fundraising Manager at the British Heart Foundation said:
“We are so excited about and grateful for Tim, Tim and David’s decision to take on this mammoth and gruelling Arctic Ascent challenge in some of the world’s most beautiful but challenging terrain. Their determination to honour their friend, Simon ‘Teddy’ Taylor is always incredibly moving to witness. Half of the money they raise will go towards the British Heart Foundation in recognition of the lifesaving research we fund throughout the UK.
Through donating to their Arctic Ascent fundraising link, you will help the BHF power groundbreaking cardiovascular research to save and improve lives, bring hope to families, and keep hearts beating across the UK.”
As they prepare for the journey ahead, the group are training through the UK’s roads and hills, pushing themselves towards what will be one of the toughest physical and emotional challenges of their lives.
If you would like to support the incredible trio on their Arctic Ascent, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/arcticascent2026 to donate.
