5-year-old from Cov set to cycle 100 miles for sick children

Community Reporter

A DETERMINED five-yearold boy from Coventry is set to undertake a gruelling challenge next month to support sick children after the loss of a close friend.

Zachy Whitmore’s little legs will be cycling 100 miles from Alton Towers to Warwick Castle to raise money for Merlin’s Magic Wand, a charity which helps sick, disabled or disadvantaged children experience a magical day out.

There is a poignant reason for Zachy’s determination in wanting to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

Tragically his friend Annabel passed away aged five earlier this month from her illness.

Annabel was the inspiration behind his fundraising efforts - which last year saw him cover 11 miles on a bike ride to Warwick Castle (his favourite place) for the charity, raising more than £1,700.

Sarah added: “Now since [losing his friend], Zachy understands even more so how important experiences like Merlin’s Magic Wand really are for families, and making memories.”

This is the longest distance Zacy has ever attempted to cover, and he has been carrying out a gruelling training timetable, riding up to 15 miles a day to get ready.

He plans to complete his Alton Towers to Warwick Castle challenge from July 6-10.

His mum Sarah Whitmore said his determination has impressed them all.

Sarah said: “We’ll be doing it over five days, 20 miles a day and starting at Alton Towers, and using a canal route. Zachy will be going via Birmingham city centre and we will finish at Warwick Castle.

Zachy always said he wanted to do 100 miles this year, we tried to make him understand that 100 miles is a really long way, but he has been completely determined that he will do it.”

When asked if his training schedule has been difficult Zachy answered: “I’m not worn out.

“They [Merlin’s Magic Wand] help poorly and disabled children like my friend Annabel to have happy days out.”

Zachy has done an extraordinary amount for Merlin’s Magic Wand through his fundraising, so much so that the charity made him their first ever child ambassador this year.

Zachy said: “I’m trying to help poorly children have days out.

“Warwick Castle is my favourite place, I like the towers.

“I want to be a knight when I grow up, I’m going to join the knights of Middle England.”

You can follow’s Zachy’s Quest on his Facebook page: @zachysquest

You can donate to his fundraiser here:www.justgiving. com/fundraising/zachysquest