Pedalling with Purpose
The Children’s Centre Liverpool to Leeds Wellness Cycle sponsored by S&S Motors and Thomas Miller (IOM Limited)
What started as a wild idea scribbled on a napkin in late 2024 bloomed into an epic adventure this April, when our intrepid group of cyclists took on a new challenge to ride the 127 mile long Liverpool to Leeds canal towpath.
Raising over £3,000 to support the vital work of The Children’s Centre, our riders pedalled over 2 days through urban industrial landscapes, suburban green spaces, rolling countryside and everything in-between. It’s a unique route - a journey from coast to city, through history, nature, and culture!
The route: from Merseyside, through Lancashire and on to Yorkshire
Our adventure began early on a Monday morning on the Manannan from Douglas. A thankfully calm crossing meant we could all get a bit of extra rest before dashing off straight from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Terminal in Liverpool towards Stanley Lock Flight – the start of the Liverpool Leeds canal. Day one was a big ask. We didn’t get away from Liverpool until 11am, and we had just over 60 miles to cover in order to get to our hotel. Bexy, one of our riders who rocked a cake themed cycle jersey throughout, looks back on it now:
“127 miles in two days. When you cycle reasonably regularly and along similar tracks, over fair distances, even if it’s only for leisure, this doesn’t sound that bad.
“Well, at least it’s flat” was the most frequent comment I heard.
Flat isn’t easy, though. Flat means that you never, ever stop pedalling and you rarely take your bum off the seat. That’s hard.”
There was loose gravel, punctures, narrow paths and unseasonably (but very welcome) warm weather, but when the peloton rolled into Blackburn at 7pm that evening, everyone was smiling, especially Andy as he knew they’d made it in time to watch the football!
Day two was another beautiful day. After a hearty breakfast, the riders started out again towards Leeds just before 9am. They knew it would be a long day, but there was the reward of seeing family and friends at the end, so they were excited to get going. Unfortunately, not long into the ride, Vicky hit a rut in the path and came off her bike. The support van found the group asap and whisked her off to get checked out, but it was clear that she wouldn’t be able to re-join the group. Thankfully, her injuries weren’t too serious, and she was able to make her way to the hotel in Leeds to wait for the others to arrive that evening.
“After Vicky’s fall, it was like a new challenge had started for us all. We knew we didn’t have the support of the van, extra food and drink and spare bikes for a few hours, so it was like we somehow hunkered down and just went for it for the next massive section.”
Once the van re-joined the group just outside Barnoldswick, it was obvious that the morning had taken its toll the riders. However, after re-fuelling on cake and at an amazing canal-side bakery, they pressed on. Getting back on the bikes was definitely hard, but camaraderie prevailed and they rode on through some positively spectacular scenery knowing that they were headed for the final stretch. By Saltaire, some of the riders were on familiar ground and there were shouts of “DOWNHILL!” every time the group whizzed down the path next to locks. As they approached the last half mile, with the sun dipping behind them Bexy even had her own cheering section from the top of a block of flats! Finally, as they rounded the bend into Granary Wharf in Leeds, the group completed their journey with their loved ones waiting. It was a proud moment and an emotional end to a remarkable adventure.
Towpath Tour de Force: pedalling for The Children’s Centre
While the physical and mental effort behind this challenge is truly commendable, it’s the cause that kept our riders pushing forward. Every penny raised will help support children, young people, and families on the Isle of Man through dedicated one-to-one and small group sessions. Our team of accredited professionals draws on deep experience and training to create safe, trusting spaces, allowing us to deliver a compassionate, holistic approach to child wellbeing. We’re committed to empowering young people with the tools, confidence, and support they need not just to get by, but to truly thrive.
A massive THANK YOU to our supporters!
This adventure would never have been possible without our amazing sponsors, Thomas Miller (IOM) Ltd and S&S Motors. Our sincere thanks also go to the IOM Steam Packet for their generous contribution toward our travel expenses. Thanks to their tremendous support, every penny raised by our determined cyclists will directly benefit The Children's Centre.
We also can’t overlook every single person that donated - whether you gave £5 or arranged corporate match funding - each contribution, regardless of size, creates meaningful impact!
Join us next year!
Inspired by what you've read? We're already planning next year's ride, which will take a new route through the beautiful countryside somewhere in the UK. Full details will be released later this year!
Can't wait that long to make a difference? Consider:
Donating to support our ongoing service provision
Volunteering at Wallberry Farm, our 15 acre working farm just outside Douglas
Sponsoring next year’s challenge