A SCHOOLGIRL from Ellesmere Port has completed a mammoth 214-mile bike ride to raise money for two charities.
Heidi Barker, from Great Sutton, has raised more than £5,500,00 for Alzheimer's Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support by virtually cycling the distance from London to Paris.
The nine-year-old began her cycle on April 13, 2023 and has cycled every day, on routes around West Kirby, New Brighton and beyond completing her final mile on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Her mum, Claire Barker, told the Globe: “Me and her dad are very proud there’s no words to describe how proud we are of her.
“She’s absolutely loved it. I’m so pleased for her. When she finished she said she felt ‘really proud of herself’.”
Heidi’s inspiration for the fundraising came after her uncle Ian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2020.
Prior to her cycling challenge, Heidi decided to endure a 600-mile walk over 15 months from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2021 where she raised more than £16,000 for the charity.
Claire said: “On the way home she said next time she’s going to do a walk again because she gets to speak to people more so she’s already thinking about what she wants to do next.
“I don’t know any nine-year-olds who seem to be anything like Heidi. I don’t know where she gets It from.
“Her uncle Ian is very proud of her and he gets very emotional.”
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