Inspired by Cora: Dan’s 100km fundraising challenge
- Written by Anita Kincade
- Posted: 13 Jul 2026
- 2 min read
On July 4th and 5th, Dan Lear and his friends Zak and Matt took on the Peak District Ultra Challenge, to raise funds for Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity in support of Derby Children’s Hospital.
The two-day event saw the trio walk 100km along a challenging figure-of-eight route through some of Derbyshire’s most beautiful (and demanding) scenery. Starting in Bakewell, they completed 52km (32 miles) on day one, followed by a further 48km (29 miles) on day two.
For Dan, this challenge was personal. It was not only a way to focus his energy during a difficult time, but also an opportunity to give something back to the hospital that has cared for his daughter, Cora.
Concerns were first raised when Cora began crawling and Dan and partner, Alice noticed that Cora's leg didn't appear to be sitting quite right. At just 11 months old, Cora was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. She underwent her first operation at 13 months old and then spent 12 weeks in a cast, which Cora affectionately nicknamed her “pink trousers”.
Now five years old, Cora has undergone three major surgeries, the most recent taking place in March this year. Through it all, she has shown incredible resilience. Despite one leg currently being slightly shorter than the other, Cora continues to take everything in her stride. She has recently returned to her swimming lessons and proudly won the egg-and-spoon race at her school sports day.
Throughout Cora’s treatment, Dan and Alice spent a great deal of time in the children’s ward and in intensive care. Despite the challenges they faced, it is the kindness, compassion and support of the hospital staff that has stayed with them most.
All the staff went above and beyond and helped make a difficult situation that bit easier.
Dan recalls one moment when Cora was feeling upset during a procedure to adjust her cast. A member of staff gave her a small toy to comfort and distract her - a simple act that made a big difference at the time. Dan also highlights that Cora still has that toy to this day.
The care Cora and her family received throughout her treatment made a lasting difference to them. By taking on this challenge, Dan and his friends wanted to raise funds for Derby Children’s Hospital to help support other local families facing similar circumstances.
Together, the friends have raised more than £6,000 (Including Gift Aid) for Derby Children’s Hospital so far.
The challenge was one of the hardest things we've ever done, more so than expected. Support from our family and friends throughout got us to the end and thinking about the money we were raising for such a good cause.
We’re incredibly grateful to Dan, Zak and Matt for taking on this huge challenge. Walking 100km is an amazing achievement and the funds they have raised in honour of Cora’s journey will make a real difference to children and families cared for at Derby Children’s Hospital.
Jill Matthews, Chief Officer Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity
If Dan and Cora’s story has inspired you, why not get inmvolved?. Whether you choose to donate, fundraise, take part in one of our events, or play our lottery, your support enables us to fund projects that make a real difference to patients, families and NHS staff across our hospitals.