A CARING dad was taking on an Everest-sized challenge in memory of his little boy, who died at just three weeks old.

Richard Skipworth took on the challenge of cycling the equivalent of the height of the world’s tallest mountain on Father’s Day on Sunday.

Richard’s son Alex died at three weeks old in February 2018 after having heart problems.

East Lothian Courier: Richard with baby Alex

As part of his grieving process, Richard, 39, took to cycling, which he calls his “Alex time”.

He said: “Cycling’s been my way of connecting with him still.

“I go out on my bike regularly to get outside and clear my head, and cope with my grief that way.”

And this year, to honour his son and help raise money for groups which have helped his family since their loss, Richard decided to cycle the height of Everest using a route at Loch Tay, Perthshire.

The challenge, known as ‘Everesting’, sees riders climb the uphill route a total of 29 times, with Everest standing at 29,031 feet.

For Richard, this Father’s Day held special significance as it marked the 29,000th hour since the family lost Alex.

“I connect with him [Alex] through numbers,” said Richard ahead of the challenge, “and there’s lots of these connections I’ve had over time where I’ve seen a strange coincidence in a number. And it happens to be on Father’s Day, which is another big coincidence with it being that passage of time.”

Richard, who has worked at Dunbar’s Torness Power Station for nearly nine years, spent the last 12 months training for the challenge.

His wife Katy and their two other children – 10-month-old Brodie and five-year-old Robyn – were staying at home in Oxton, in the Scottish Borders, during the challenge.

Richard is supporting Held in Our Hearts, Glasgow Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, Glasgow.

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RichardSkipworth1