Halifax dad completes 12-hour challenge in storm-hit Rhodes in honour of stillborn daughter
Ben Moorhouse has completed 26 climbs of Prophet Elias Mountain Road in Faliraki, an eight-mile walk to Tsambika Monastery and 26 ascents of its 300 steps in honour of his daughter, Kallipateira, on her eighth birthday.
The challenge was designed around the number 26 and Kallipateira’s eighth birthday. But as the rain intensified and thunderstorms arrived on the island, it became an even more memorable test of endurance.
The final stage of Ben’s challenge in Rhodes took place amid heavy rain and thunderstorms. The mountain steps became particularly slippery in sections, and Ben had to slow down on the descents to negotiate them safely.
At times, thunder and lightning were directly overhead while he was alone on the mountain.
Despite the conditions, he completed the full challenge, finishing at Tsambika Monastery at 6pm, exactly 12 hours after setting off.
Reflecting on the day, Ben said: “It was a proud day to take on the special one-day challenge on Kallipateira’s 8th birthday in Rhodes.
“No matter how big the storm or how much rain there was, nothing was going to stop me for Kallipateira.
“I had to slow down on the Tsambika Monastery steps going down for safety, but I was OK. To have the thunder and lightning right above me while alone on the mountain was another extreme challenge experience.
“I love you, Kallipateira.”
On 24 October 2018, Ben and his partner, Gaynor Thompson, were told that their daughter had died at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Kallipateira Rodothea Moorhouse was born two days later, on 26 October.
Following Kallipateira’s death, Ben and Gaynor experienced a miscarriage at nine weeks of pregnancy in May 2019.
That summer, they visited Tsambika Monastery and prayed for a brother or sister for Kallipateira.
Their son, Apollon, was born in May 2020 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester following specialist care.
The Kallipateira Moorhouse Foundation supports stillbirth research and work aimed at preventing future tragedies.
Funds raised through the challenges support the work of Professor Alexander Heazell and his team at the Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester — the specialist team that cared for Apollon.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/octoberchallenge.