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We are fundraising for Martin House Hospice in memory of our baby boy, Zachary Rupert Ince, by cycling from the Leeds General Infirmary (UK) to Oslo (Norway) starting on 16/05/26.
Zachary, our much loved and longed for baby boy, was born on 8th February 2026. He started his journey to the world through IVF and has been loved by us both since the moment he existed.
Zach was sadly born with an unforeseeable and incurable lung condition. He was cared for by the incredible NICU and PICU teams at Leeds General Infirmary, where we both work, and we know that everything possible was done to help our son. Unfortunately he was not able to recover and after just two days of having him with us he passed away in our arms.
After the death of our son, Grace and I have come to personally understand the invaluable roles Martin House Hospice play in supporting and caring for children and their families across Yorkshire. Martin House gave us time to be a family with Zach, and to make memories that would have been impossible otherwise. They cared for our son, and for us, deeply and we were overwhelmed by the compassion, kindness and humanity all staff there showed us. Martin House is a safe haven from the world, and its cruelties, especially at times that no parent should have to face.
All of this wonderful service is provided free of charge, and runs primarily on charitable donations such as yours. We think it is an important part of Zach's memory that we honour Martin House's contribution and give back in his name - a small way of us paying back how much they have helped us as a family.
Grace and I are therefore cycling from LGI (Leeds) to Oslo (Norway), a distance of 1700 cycled miles. We had planned to take Zach cycling through Holland or Denmark, when he was a little older and could sit with us on a bike, and it seems fitting to carry his memory through these countries and onwards as we fundraise to help other children in Yorkshire.
We would welcome any donatation for Martin House in support of this endevour.
We also welcome anyone who wishes to start our journey with us from LGI (you can come with us as far as you'd like!) or anyone who wishes to join us along the way. The Komoot collection detailing each days route is linked below and please get in touch directly or through the linked whatsapp group if you'd like more information or to arrange to join us.
We will love Zach forever, and also be forever greatful for the memories and care that Martin House gave us. Please join us in helping their wonderful work.
In grief and hope
Grace and Jon
Route:
Ride Whatsapp Group:
Martin House