Barnoldswick couple taking on 50k challenge in memory of their son
A Barnoldswick couple will be running 50k this weekend to honour their son, Noah, who they lost during a birth that almost took the mother’s life.
Candyce Cross, 33, and Scott Cross, 38, are taking on the North Yorkshire Ultra Challenge, a two-day event that takes place on 20-21 June. They lost Noah in February 2023 during a complicated birth that threatened Candyce’s life and left the family devastated, including older brother Arlo.
They chose this event due to it falling just a few days before what should have been Noah’s due date on the 26th, which is also the day after Arlo’s birthday. After an incredibly difficult few years, Candyce decided it was time they try to focus again on the things they love doing, which includes running.
Candyce said: “I foolishly signed Scott and myself up for a 50km ultra running challenge. The distance won’t be so much of challenge for Scott, who has spent most of his adult life running silly distances, but he will be challenged to slow his pace right down to support me.
“We know the scenery will be beautiful and hopefully motivate us along the way, and June seemed a poignant time to do it as that is when our son should have been born. As painful as this challenge and the training will be, nothing will ever compare to the pain of losing a child.”
The couple will be fundraising for Friends of Serenity, a baby loss bereavement support charity. The charity offers support to families going through this and erected a Tree of Life at Lancashire Women’s and Newborn Centre to remember all the babies that are gone too soon.
To support Candyce and Scott’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/candyce-cross-1771534524627
Ultra Challenge host events up and down the country, with over 20 taking place each year, with this the first ever edition of the North Yorks Challenge. With its mix of dramatic coastline, historic seaside towns and wild moorland, the North Yorks Ultra Challenge is set to become one of the standout new endurance events in the UK calendar.
The challenges continue to be a popular choice for fundraising efforts across the UK with recent Ultra Challenge events have raised as much as £1.3million.
To find out more about the North Yorks Ultra Challenge, and see how to sign up for 2027, visit: https://www.ultrachallenge.com/