Norwich man launches bold cycling adventure in dad’s memory

While Valentine's Day is about romance for most people, for one Norwich family it is a day for remembrance.

It was on February 14 last year that Philip Charles Littleboy died of a heart attack at the age of 57.

The former Jarrold's printer and Longwater Lane Sainsbury's worker, who was living in Attleborough at the time, was taken from his family unexpectedly.

Now, Philip's son Daniel has chosen to use the first anniversary of his father's passing to launch a charity adventure in his memory.

The 30-year-old from Eaton wants to raise money for Heart Research UK and is planning to tackle an estimated 1,800-mile cycle journey, starting in Norwich's twin city in Serbia, Novi Sad, and finishing back in Norwich.

It is an ambitious aim but one that Mr Littleboy is passionate about completing.

'We had our ups and downs like any father and son but he always supported us as well as he could. He was always there for me and I have got some funny memories. We got quite close in the last few years before he died.

'But he died of a heart attack last year on Valentine's Day so I am looking to raise money for Heart Research UK,' he said.

Mr Littleboy will be cycling to three cities that all have strong twinning links to Norwich. His journey later this year will begin at Novi Sad in Serbia, from there, he will make his way to Koblenz in Germany before pedalling across Europe to arrive at Rouen in France.

Then it is on to the final leg of his journey, from Rouen back to Norwich, and the finish at Carrow Road.

The mortgage adviser for Citri, on King's Street, is hoping to raise �25,000 for Heart Research UK and will be donating �100 from every mortgage referral that is made towards the charity that funds pioneering research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

This won't be the first time Daniel has done something like this. Back in 2009 he took part in a Barcelona to Liverpool bike ride with seven other friends to raise money for charity. But after his Dad passed away he felt compelled to get back on two wheels.

Daniel says: 'I'm really looking forward to it, and can't wait to get out there on my bike. I believe the charity doesn't get the recognition it deserves and I hope that what I'm doing will hopefully help in the prevention of heart disease.'

Daniel intends to set off in July, just a month after his first child is due to be born. However, his partner, Sammy, is fully supportive of his bold adventure.

Barbara Harpham, national director of Heart Research UK, is very appreciative of the lengths he is going to for the charity.

She said: 'After what happened to his dad, this is a cause that is now particularly close to Daniel's heart. This is a first for HRUK, no-one has done this on such a scale and on his own.

'It will demand a lot from him, but we have every faith he will do it. Without people like Daniel we simply could not continue our pioneering work.'

You can follow Mr Littleboy's progress at www.citricycle.com or follow him at www.twitter.com/citricycle

Are you organising an ambitious charity event? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or on email at david.freezer@archant.co.uk