Young Halesowen cyclist pedals to success with £2,000 raised for neonatal unit

A determined 10-year-old from Halesowen has captured the hearts of the local community after completing an inspiring charity bike ride in support of the Neonatal Unit at Russell’s Hall Hospital.

Max Tyson, a popular member of Halesowen Athletic & Cycling Club, set out last Saturday to cycle an impressive 29 kilometres - one kilometre for each day his baby brother Ted spent receiving specialist care after being born prematurely last July.

Max’s journey began years earlier on the gentle slopes of Manor Abbey’s cycle track, where he first learned to ride at just four years old. Six years on, he returned to the same track with a much bigger goal: to raise £1,000 for the hospital that helped save his brother’s life.

Ted faced a difficult start, spending his first 29 days in the Neonatal Unit under the expert care of staff led by consultant paediatrician Dr Nicola Ruth. Now thriving, Ted was there alongside family and supporters to cheer Max on as he set off at 3.15pm under clear blue skies.

The young cyclist was supported every step of the way by friends, classmates, and members of his cycling, rugby, and scouting communities. Fellow riders, including his coach Matt and members of the club’s academy team, accompanied him on the course, offering encouragement throughout.

Max completed the full distance in just over an hour, crossing the finish line at 4.30pm to loud applause. In a moment reminiscent of professional sprint finishes, he powered through the final lap in style, drawing comparisons to British cycling star Mark Cavendish.

At the finish, Dr Nicola Ruth presented Max with a medal and praised his remarkable effort. She confirmed that the funds raised would go towards vital equipment for the Neonatal Unit, helping to care for many more babies in the future.

Max’s mother, Rachel Tyson, expressed immense pride in her son’s achievement, saying: “We are so very proud of Max and the money he has raised for Russell’s Hall Hospital’s Neonatal Unit on behalf of his baby brother Ted.

“Over £2,000 is a massive achievement for our amazing 10-year-old. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sponsored Max and came to support him. It was a lovely atmosphere—a special event that we will always remember.”

In an extraordinary show of community generosity, Max more than doubled his original fundraising target within 24 hours, raising over £2,000—and donations are still coming in.

Residents wishing to support Max’s efforts can still contribute via his JustGiving page.