A "KEEN" mountain biker will take on a fundraising challenge in memory of his late niece who died just aged three.

Dan Caselton, of Tal y Bont in the Conwy Valley, is in training for the Ard Rock Enduro event which takes place in Reeth, Yorkshire, on the weekend of July 21-23.

His niece Daisy died after suffering what doctors called “a one in a million” brain aneurism over Christmas 2014.

Money will be raised for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices.

North Wales Pioneer: Dan Caselton, a former soldier, is in training for the fundraiser. Dan Caselton, a former soldier, is in training for the fundraiser. (Image: Submitted)

Dan, 38, a former soldier who served in the Royal Artillery 16th Regiment, said: “It’s still a bit difficult to talk about Daisy, but we as a family have seen first-hand the amazing work the hospices do.

“They really are a lifeline to so many families.

“After Daisy’s death her grandparents began to take Christmas presents to the hospice for children and families there - that’s how the connection came about.”

Dan now works as a Driver Trainer at Brakes Food Service in Bodelwyddan and feels the strenuous miles and concentration required for off-road cycling have been of huge benefit.

He said: “Getting out cycling in the mountains has definitely helped with the grieving process and mental health aspect.

North Wales Pioneer: Daisy was just three-years-old when she died.Daisy was just three-years-old when she died. (Image: Submitted)

“My dad now even has an electric bike and we go out together which has been great for us both.”

“I wanted to do something to get me back into it again and something with a real purpose for a great cause.

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“I’ve started gravel biking also recently and have been getting practice in at Gwydir Forest and on the famous Marin Trail.

“The Enduro is a long, technically challenging course.

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“I’ve never done anything like this before and to tell the truth I’m quite nervous.”

Readers can sponsor Dan by clicking here. 

The Ard Rock Enduro is a 45km technical riding event that will see competitors climb and descend over 3,000ft of steep and rocky single track path.

It forms part of a wider festival but is the headline event and will test riders for anywhere between four and five and a half hours.