Joseph, 8, Takes On 45-Mile Bike Ride for Local Families
Joseph Fearn
Joseph has been riding almost as long as he can remember. Starting at just 2 years old with stabilisers on, he’s grown up cycling in the hilly village of Newton Ferrers and has become a bit of a legend on two wheels.
One day, while out on a ride, someone asked Joseph who he was raising money for. At the time, he was cycling simply for the joy of it, but that question sparked a lovely idea.
Over the next year, Joseph plans to complete 12 epic rides for 12 local charities that ‘lift up local families’.
For his second ride, on 25th August 2025, Joseph has chosen to support our Keep Me Close appeal by cycling an incredible 45 miles along the Exe Estuary Trail with his dad, Tony.
Even for this hill-crushing duo, it won’t be an easy journey. They’re bracing for ‘seven hours of sea air, steep climbs, and sheer determination’. But Joseph isn’t letting his age or size hold him back. He’s a determined rider with a big heart, and he’s ready to conquer every mile.
Joseph chose Keep Me Close for a neighbour whose baby was cared for at Derriford’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He shared,
“I'm riding in honour of a neighbour who said such positive things about Derriford's NICU and who really needed this service for her own little babies. I’m riding for all the tiny fighters in incubators tonight. And I’m riding for the families who just need to be near their babies.”
His mum, Karen, told us how hard Joseph and Tony have been training for this route. “They’re a dream team, is all I can say.”
We’re so proud and thankful to have been chosen as one of Joseph’s 12 charities, helping families with accommodation near the hospital for as long as they need it, so they can be close to their babies.
