Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lennon proves knockout with 100-mile cycle ride
IT was a bout with a difference but a 12-yearold boy from Dundee went the full distance to raise cash for his boxing club and a cause close to his family’s heart.
Lennon Bell got on his bike on Saturday and pedalled nearly 100 miles from Lochee Boxing Club to Celtic Park in Glasgow to raise money for the club and the mum of a family friend who desperately needs life-saving cancer treatment.
Lennon embarked on the mammoth cycle at 6.30am, heading south towards the home of his beloved Celtic FC, where he holds a season ticket, just before 8pm.
He was joined on his journey by mum Ashley and dad Craig who took turns at cycling with him, while the family car followed behind.
Lennon cycled to raise money for the reopening of Lochee Boxing Club, where he trains.
Family friend Andy Baxter, who is raising money for cancer treatment for his mum Lorraine, also inspired Lennon to split the proceeds.
The St John’s High School pupil has collected more than £1,000 – with donations still flooding in.
Ashley said when Lennon’s morale dipped he kept going knowing how much money was at stake.
She said: “Lennon completed a sponsored cycle last year to raise money for a pre-season boxing trip to London.
“Boxing has been off due to the Covid-19 outbreak but he wanted to raise some money for the club to help with anything that is needed when it is safe to reopen.
“He also heard about his uncle Ryan’s friend Andy Baxter who is raising money to fund his mum’s life-saving cancer treatment and Lennon decided to split the money in half.
“We arrived at Celtic Park after a total of about 100 miles, stopping a couple of times on the way.
“As he reached Falkirk his mood was at its lowest as the pain and cramps were setting in but he knew how much money he had raised and that is what gave him the push to finish.
“He is so happy he has done it and that all the pain was worth it to help his beloved club and Lorraine, and we want to say thanks for everyone’s donations and support.”
On his return to Dundee, Lennon was greeted by family and friends who had organised a surprise celebration.
His aunt Cheryl Cumming said: “We got him a cake and party poppers to surprise him when he got back home so we could celebrate how well he did.”