Harrogate fundraiser given award by prime minister

James Badger cycled up and down a hill in the Yorkshire Dales 90 times.

A North Yorkshire man, who has raised more than £250,000 for a blood cancer charity, has received a Points of Light award from the prime minister.

The award recognises outstanding UK volunteers and those delivering change in their community.

Last Saturday, James Badger, from Harrogate, completed his latest challenge - cycling the equivalent height of Mount Everest by riding up and down a hill in the Yorkshire Dales.

The ride, at Lackon Bank in the Yorkshire Dales, took 22 hours to complete and saw Mr Badger and fellow cyclists climb a total of 29,528ft (9,000m).

Mr Badger took on his latest challenge in memory of his wife, Philippa, who died in 2022, two days after being diagnosed with blood cancer.

He used the cycling challenge, which took him past the church where his wife is buried, to raise money for the charity Blood Cancer UK.

Speaking during the ride, which involved cycling up and down a hill 90 times, he told BBC Radio York: "It's a lot harder than Land's End to John O'Groats.

"There's no rest time: it's straight uphill and straight back down."

Following the challenge, the fundraiser said he was "very, very happy" to receive the Points of Light award from the prime minister's office on Monday.

"It's an amazing recognition," he said.

Helen Rowntree, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: "James’s fundraising has been nothing short of inspirational, not only for the blood cancer community, but for anyone who’s come across his story.

"After the sudden death of his wife, Phillipa, from acute myeloid leukaemia in 2022, James has dedicated himself to raising the profile and funding research into this aggressive form of blood cancer."

Congratulating Mr Badger on his award, Julian Smith, local MP for Skipton and Ripon, said: "I'm delighted that James has been recognised by the prime minister for his efforts to raise an extraordinary amount of money for Blood Cancer UK."

"He and his family have been through the most devastating loss, but to see him mark it in this way is simply inspirational, and will make a real difference to lives across the country."