Hatton Park siblings compete 350-mile challenge

A brother and sister team from Hatton Park have completed their 350-mile charity challenge.

Sam and Grace Lessard have been taking on a cycling challenge to help raise money for charity.

The pair started their challenge on March 26 with the initial target of 100 miles and after hitting the target on April 20 they carried on to hit 200 miles on VE Day.

After hitting this target Sam, aged 7 and Grace aged 9, set themselves the challenge of cycling a total of 350 miles by the end of May and decided to raise money for charity.

The pair have been doing the challenge in aid of the Friendship Project for Children, which is a Warwick-based charity that aims to help children in need of extra support by matching them with an ‘Older Friend’ who spends time with them.

When asked why they picked the Friendship Project for Children, they said: "It is a local charity and the work it does is so very important. The virus has also meant that the Project has seen a reduction in its income. We want to help.

"It is really sad to think that there are children out there who can't do the simple things which we love so much, like going on a bike ride because they may be caring for a family member."

Last Friday (May 29) the pair hit their 350 mile target and have now raised more than £2,000.

When asked about how they felt about completing the challenge Grace said: “I'm really proud and thank you to everyone out there who sponsored us.

"We will carry on cycling as we love it so much”

Sam added: “I feel strong, fit and healthy and I really like helping people.”

When they were asked about how they felt about their fundraising Grace said: “I never thought we would raise that much money. I feel proud and amazed."

Sam said: “I am surprised and happy.”

Emma Lessard, Sam and Grace's mum said: "We are so proud of them both.

"They have worked so hard and have not been deterred by punctures, hills and the heat.

"Grace had a nasty fall off her bike five days before the end of the challenge.

"Despite being covered in grazes and bruises, she was determined to carry on and saw it through to the end.

"We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised and we are so pleased to be able to support the Friendship Project during this difficult time."

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gandscycling