A WORCESTER dad who has raised thousands in memory of his daughters is preparing for his final year of big fundraising challenges.
Veteran fundraiser Tony Frobisher has become a familiar name taking part in various fundraising challenges over the years.
Mr Frobisher and his wife Rini’s, triplet daughters Jewel, Louisa and Milla, were born 16 weeks premature in 2006.
Jewel died after 17 days and within a year, Milla was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy meaning she required 24-hour care.
Mr Frobisher has dedicated his life to raising vital funds and awareness for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust after his family received lifeline support from the charity’s hospice in Worcester.
Mr Frobisher has already run the London Marathon, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest in his fundraising activities since 2007.
But now Mr Frobisher said he was now preparing to do a last year of fundraising.
“I made a promise to my daughter when we lost her that I was going to fundraise as long as I’m fit and healthy, " he said.
"I’m still fit and healthy, but to be honest, it gets harder.
"I’m 55 and I don’t want to push it too far."
In spring next year Mr Frobisher will be climbing Scafell Pike before he cycles 200 miles to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
"I’m excited, this is a challenge I really want to do," he said.
"I’ve never climbed Scafell Pike and that’s something I need to tick off the list."
In preparation of the cycling leg of his journey the former University of Worcester student will be getting involved in lectures, talking to students about his charity challenge.
And on Monday he underwent a professional ‘bike fit’ session.
University staff helped him with his riding goals and his history was assessed along with his anatomy so his position on his bike and pedalling could be modified for comfort and efficiency.
Mr Frobisher, a former Queen’s Baton Bearer, said: "I got in touch with the University of Worcester and they were very kind and said they’d support me.
"I learned a lot. It’s fascinating to see the science behind it and to see a digital outline of yourself cycling on the screen.
“I’ll be doing a bit of guest lecturing about my fundraising too, so it’s a mutual collaboration and I’m really happy to support the students.”
To donate to Mr Frobisher’s fundraising efforts visit justgiving.com/fundraising/100and26.
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