A SCHOOLGIRL has started her next adventure, virtually cycling over 200 miles from London to Paris to help two charities close to her heart.

Heidi Barker, from Great Sutton, decided to endure a 600-mile walk over 15 months from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2021.

With support from ex-Liverpool football players Robbie Fowler and John Barnes along the way, Heidi raised over £16,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK in support of her great uncle Ian who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2020.

Since then, Heidi has walked in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London as a guest of the Alzheimer’s Research UK team.

Chester and District Standard: Heidi in the Lord Mayor's ShowHeidi in the Lord Mayor's Show (Image: David Barker)

Her dad, David Barker said: "When she finished her walk, she was filmed for Granada Reports and they asked her what she was going to do next.

"She said she'd like to do a 200-mile bike ride but said she'll have to have a rest first because her parents are old!

"We had a break and over winter she kept asking me when she could start."

Heidi began her 214-mile cycle on April 13 and has decided that all of the money she raises will go to Alzheimer's Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. 

She will cycle at some point every day, on routes around West Kirby, New Brighton and beyond to complete the challenge by the summer holidays. She has already raised over £1,200.

David added: "My dad had cancer 11 years ago and Macmillan were so supportive to my mum. My mum was the only grandparent Heidi has ever known which made her want to help them.

"She's just such a great kid. She's the most thoughtful child I have ever met.

"The other week someone in her class, not her best friend was looking a bit upset and she asked me if she could go over and try to make him smile.

"She's loving the cycling. She's done just over 30 miles and she was just excited for her next adventure."

To donate to Heidi, visit https://www.justgiving.com/team/Heidi-ParisLondon.