Halifax teacher on marathon challenge in memory of dad who died delivering cards

Daniel Sykes, 31 from Halifax, is raising funds for the charity after his dad tragically suffered a fatal cardiac while delivering Christmas cards to his neighbours.

A year after his father’s death, Daniel decided that he wanted to give back to the BHF as a thank you for its life saving heart research and ongoing support.

He took on 12 sponsored endurance challenges over 12 months in 2019, raising £3,000.

Now, he wants to take his challenges even further by completing the Edinburgh Marathon, London Marathon and the Three Peaks Challenge for the BHF in 2021.

Daniel said: “Last year’s 12-months of challenges pushed my body to the limit and I couldn’t have done it without the support of friends and family who joined me when they could.

"Dad was a very sociable man so I chose events that would reflect this. With all that has happened in the world, I want to go further and push harder to raise even more money for the BHF during such a financially difficult time for the charity.”

On December 17 2017, Daniel’s father, David Sykes had organised a Christmas party for his family and had set out to deliver Christmas cards to his neighbours before the evening festivities began.

It was during this heart-warming endeavour that David collapsed and sadly died from a cardiac arrest.

Daniel said: “My lovely father who was 68-years-old when he passed away, was an incredibly friendly man who was renowned in his village for his warm demeanour, outgoing personality and love for people and life.

"He was always the life and soul of the party, the heart of our family and a strong pillar in the community; everyone knew him and he was a friend to all.”

The shocking news devastated the family and the emotion rippled through the whole community.

Daniel continued: “My father’s sudden death was a huge shock. He was a very popular man and appeared to be in good health. It hit our family incredibly hard, especially at Christmas time. Although he had slightly high blood pressure and cholesterol, we didn’t expect an event like this to happen.”

“My dad would have been incredibly proud of my year-long challenge and the three immense challenges I have signed up for in 2021. He would say I was doing a good thing for other people; he was always very generous and caring. He’d also say I was a bit mad!”

“I had always thought a marathon was out of my reach until I succeeded in last year’s 12 challenges in 12 months. When I saw how much money I raised, I knew that I was motivated enough to give not just one, but two marathons my best shot.”