Brother to honour much-loved BBC sports broadcaster in commemorative charity cycle challenge

Following the tragic death of Dom Busby, who had a long and successful broadcasting career at the BBC, Patrick Busby is preparing to take on a charity cycle race in tribute to his sports-loving brother. His 53-mile challenge on Saturday July 3 will raise money for Saint Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where Dom was cared for in his final weeks.

Dom was sadly diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour just two months before his death, aged 53. He spent his final weeks at Saint Michael’s Hospice in Harrogate: the town in which he grew up and began his radio career.

Patrick Busby, Dom’s brother, said: “During the final stages of his illness, the amazing staff at Saint Michael’s looked after Dom with great care and compassion. I am thankful for this wonderful institution who make such a difference to families at their times of greatest need.

“With Dom’s passion for sport, it seemed fitting to do a cycling challenge in tribute to him. On Saturday July 3, I will take part in the South Downs Tour 85km (53 miles) cycle race to raise money for Saint Michael’s Hospice.”

The route will see Patrick take on the challenging hilly terrain of the South Downs National Park, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Chief Executive of Saint Michael’s Hospice Tony Collins said: “We are incredibly grateful that Patrick has chosen to support our vital work with a meaningful and fitting challenge in tribute to Dom.

“Thanks to so many supporting this very special event, Patrick’s cycle challenge has already exceeded its target and continues to see generous donations being made in Dom’s memory. All gifts in support of Patrick’s efforts make a huge difference to local people living with terminal illness and bereavement, as well as their families.”

To support Patrick’s cycle challenge in memory of Dom, and to help Saint Michael’s Hospice continue its vital work, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/patrick-busby6.

Christopher Busby, another brother of Dom’s, said: “Saint Michael’s Hospice is in a most beautiful setting, with a calming and tranquil environment. The staff go above and beyond the call of duty in regard to patient and relative care, and nothing is too much trouble. The love and compassion is of the highest level.”

Dom was perhaps best known as the voice and personality of BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 4’s sports bulletins.

In the BBC’s obituary, colleagues including radio sports news editor Colin Patterson paid tribute: “Dom was a great broadcaster and a brilliant man. He loved sport and radio so had the perfect job.

“You could hear the excitement in his voice when he was reading the sports news on air. He had a long and successful career at the BBC - 30 years at many of our local radio stations, and for the past 10 of those years he also worked for BBC Sport.”

In his younger years, Dom and his brothers were taught by actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry at Cundall Manor Prep School in North Yorkshire. Fry said of Dom: “He was as delightful, bubbly, charming and smart then as he was throughout his career.”