Hannah Baldwin, and her family and friends, are taking on a 40 mile bike ride in memory of her Dad, Daryl, who was treated at the Bristol Heart Institute.

They have planned a full-hearted cycle from Bristol Heart Institute to Gloucester Hospital, where Daryl was treated following a heart attack. They will be raising money for both Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity and Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

Her story is one of strength, resilience and determination to honour and celebrate the memory of her Dad while saying thanks for the care he received.

  

HANNAH’S STORY

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IN MEMORY OF DARYL

“Just 3 days before the tragic passing of our lovely Dad, Daryl, he had prepared an important, honest and heartfelt message ready to share with the world.

Daryl had a zest for life, a wicked sense of humour, a real sense of stoicism and was a natural wordsmith able to string sentences together using words you were convinced he’d made up! Alongside his love for his children, partner, screenwriting, music, film and nature, cycling was part of the mix.

Relentlessly throwing himself into any opportunity to train, the last few months he had worked hard to so proudly set up his own charity bike ride. Every fibre of his being was devoted as he chased from one target to the next.

He aimed to raise money and awareness for heart health after his sudden heart attack last September. But more than that, this was Daryl’s way of celebrating being given a second chance all thanks to his life-saving triple heart bypass.

On September 28th 2025, a group of us (family and friends), will collectively fundraise on Daryl’s behalf. Some of us will cycle Daryl’s route from Bristol Heart Institute to Gloucester Royal Hospital, and others of us will show support by walking, running or cycling around his local meadow in Kingsway, which he’d frequently go to for solitude and to soak up nature. This is a tribute for Daryl, a privilege of remembrance, an opportunity to honour his final wish and keep his promise.

 
DARYL'S TRIPLE HEART BYPASS

Before Daryl passed away, he was planning to do his own charity bike ride. He said:

"On the evening of 28th September 2024, after many years of alcohol and substance misuse, my heart finally told me enough really was enough.

I spent the next 29 days in Gloucester Royal Hospital Cardiology Ward 2 where the fabulous team stabilised me ready for a triple heart bypass at Bristol Heart Institute.

The operation at Bristol was a success and during my recovery I planned to buy a new bike, return to fitness and pay back in gratitude by raising heart health awareness for others and money for the ward. The idea of the charity cycle ride from Bristol Heart Institute to Gloucester Royal Hospital came to fruition. Raising heart health awareness one turn at a time."”

To ride the full distance on the anniversary of my heart attack is a fitting end to complete the cycle started the year before. ”

 

THE RIDE

"Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go to plan- even when your heart’s fully in it.

[On the morning of Saturday 28^th October], we woke up in Bristol ready to tackle Daryl’s memorial charity bike ride— only to find our car had been broken into overnight. One of the bikes was stolen.

This has been the most frustrating and hurtful setback, especially as this was a bike brought by Daryl.

But this is more than miles travelled - It's about continuing a legacy. It’s about lives saved. It’s about the journey to heart health AND recovery.

We rerouted and retraced the steps he took 1 year ago today— the ones that started the story we’re riding for. The fight he fought, the strength he showed, and the reason whole reason we’re doing this at all.

It was the journey our Dad made this time last year: from his flat, to the cinema, and then to the hospital after suffering a heart attack halfway through a favourite film of his.

We will cycle 40 miles over 2 separate rides. One on 28^th October and one on October 31st. These dates are significant, with 28^th October marking the anniversary of his heart attack and Halloween marking a year since his life-saving procedure as a result of it.”

 

This story has touched our hearts and we’re so grateful for Hannah’s support in raising awareness for heart health and taken on this fundraiser to raise vital funds for the Bristol Heart Institue and Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

Feeling inspired by Hannah’s story? Check out our upcoming events or organise your own challenge.

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