Chimnyboy (Charity / fundraising)

Meet "Chimny Boy"

He's the face of all the charity and fundraising work at Mark Fenton Sweep Services

and the name used on our Just Giving fundraising page

Etape Loch Ness Cycle ride April 2024

On 27th April 2024 I took part in the Etape Loch Ness bike ride, a 66 mile loop of the Scottish Loch which starts and finishes in Inverness.

I had originally booked in to do this ride in 2023 but a nasty back injury prevented me from taking place. After 12 months off the bike I started training again in February and I'm glad to say I was able to take part and complete the ride this time.

I was riding to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and at present I have raised £257 with sponsorship still coming in.

Thank you to everyone who supported me and donated. It was a great event, well organised and the roadside support from the locals (who had to put up with road closures during the event) was very encouraging. It was a beautiful sunny day, the roads were silky smooth and I can't wait to come back and ride it again.

Charity Abseil for

Birmingham Childrens Hospital

On August 21st 2021 I took part in the Birmingham Childrens' Hospital charity abseil at their new venue of Park Regis, Birmingham. I did my first ever abseil from a height of 190 feet. I've never abseiled before but always wanted to give it a go so I though why not and also raise some money for the hospital at the same time.

Total raised £250

In 2019 I decided that I would like to dedicate some of my time to fundraising during the quiet summer period when the demand for chimney sweeping is low to, I have chosen to raise money for the Alzheimers Society as this has a personal appeal to me.

In my job I see first hand the effects of dementia and how it can affect everyday life in many ways.

I heard about the Dementia Friends initiative and decided to find out more. Since attending the course I have reviewed my working practices in an attempt to provide a service that is dementia friendly.

I decided that I was going to train to take part in some of the many cycling challenges that the Alzheimers Society participate in.

Unfortunately due to the corona virus breakout plans have had to change a little as all organised group events were cancelled.

Cycle for Dementia - May 2020

I still wanted to make use of my time somehow so I contacted the Alzheimers Society who made the suggestion of creating my own individual challenge, this led to the birth of the 326 mile virtual Pucks Glen 'virtual' bike ride. This event tied in nicely with the 'cycle for dementia' events held by the Alzheimers Society during May 2020.

why 326 miles?

We were actually away on holiday in Dunoon, Scotland earlier this year but had to cut our holiday short because of the lockdown. 326 miles is the distance I would travel to get me back to the holiday cottage we like to rent which is where I really wanted to be.

Having been off a bike for several years this challenge seemed a good balance, it wouldn't be easy for me but at the same time it would also be achievable.

Total raised £661.15

and just incase you were wondering...

“where did Chimny boy come from ?”

Chimny Boy (and yes, there is no E in it) came from my 5yr old niece. She came round for a sleepover one day and we gave her a photo of me at one of my wedding bookings. She took the photo and drew her own version of it and wrote "chimny boy" next to him. We loved the picture so much we just had to use it.

It's appeared on T shirts, hoodies, mugs and even a christmas cake.