‍Dad & Grandad’s Big (Probably Painful) Bike Adventure for Bolton Smiley Faces!

May 2026

Hi everyone!

Meet Paul (the 40-something dad) and Dave (the 60-something grandad) — two brave, slightly bonkers blokes who have decided to swap their comfy armchairs for bike saddles and attempt to pedal 127 miles from Leeds to Liverpool.

Why? Well, it’s all for Esme, our beautiful, cheeky, amazing 6-year-old little girl who just so happens to rock an extra chromosome.

When Esme arrived, we didn’t know she’d have Down Syndrome, we didn’t know where to start or what to expect. But in the neonatal unit, one amazing nurse handed us a leaflet for Bolton Smiley Faces, a support group for families like ours.

Since that day, Smiley Faces has been our lifeline. They’ve given us friends who understand, parents who’ve walked this path before us, and a place where Esme can shine surrounded by love and laughter. They’ve organised pantomime trips, Christmas parties, SEN inclusive football clubs, swimming groups, even weekends away all for families like ours.

Now, it’s our turn to give something back. So Daddy and Grandad are dusting off their bikes (which may or may not have been used mainly to hang garden tools on), packing a tent and setting off on a scenic but gruelling ride from Leeds to Liverpool.

Did I mention they haven’t trained? At all? They’re fuelled solely by sheer willpower, cups of coffee, maybe a cheeky pint, and the knowledge that your support will help keep Smiley Faces going for families like ours.

So please, if you can spare a few quid, donate to this cause close to our hearts. Laugh at their sore bums and blisters, cheer them on from your sofas, and help us say a huge THANK YOU to Smiley Faces for everything they do.

Every penny helps keep the smiles going. ❤️

Thank you so much for reading and supporting!

Lots of love,

Esme’s family (and two very sore cyclists)