Whitworth youngster cycles for charity in memory of great-grandad

Whitworth Community High School student Owen Blackburn is cycling for charity in memory of his great-grandad Derek

Caring student Owen Blackburn is cycling 100 miles during May to raise money in memory of his great-grandfather.

The Year 8 student at Whitworth Community High School has already completed 43 miles and raised £290 of his £1,000 goal.

Owen, from Whitworth, said: “My great-grandad Derek had prostate cancer for about a year and he beat it, but then he got Covid and passed away.

“My dad asked me if I wanted to join him in raising money for Prostate Cancer UK in memory of my great-grandad.

“I thought 100 miles wouldn’t be that hard, but I have found out that it is.”

Owen, who is also a defender with Whitworth Valley Football Club, said his dad rewarded his team’s second place in the league by buying him a new mountain bike.

He said: “I used to go to see my great-grandad every couple of days and he always had stories to tell me and we would have a joke and a laugh. He had hearing aids and so I had to speak loudly.

“It has been at least a year since we lost him and I miss him.”

Owen and his dad Craig O’Loughlin and his uncles Damian and Sam and cousin have been cycling in Lee Quarry above Bacup, usually completing around 14 miles.

He said: “The hardest part is going up the hills, but as my dad says you need to go up the hills first before you can go down them.”

To sponsor Owen’s efforts visit

• https://cyclethemonth.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/owens-cycle-challenge