Ava has a smashing time on charity cycle marathon
A SCHOOLGIRL put the wheels in motion for charity fundraising by cycling the equivalent of a marathon.
Ava Smallman, from Gawsworth, was inspired to take on the challenge following a school project into Greek history.
She and her fellow pupils at Gawsworth Primary had learned about the origin of the marathon so Ava decided to cover the distance on her bike.
The 10-year-old also chose to raise money for Space4Autism as she has a cousin with the condition.
Initially she set herself a target of £150.
But she smashed this to have collected £520 by the time she completed the 26 miles this week.
Mum Jodie Allen said: “It was good that she had a challenge with children being at home and a bit bored.
“She really enjoyed doing it and would go out in the rain to do seven or eight miles at a time and because it was for her cousin it meant a lot to her.
“Her route took her round the block so people would see her go past hundreds of times.
“I’m really proud of her going out in all sorts of weather to raise money for such a worthy cause.”
Ava, a year five pupil, was joined on the last few laps by her sister Katie and dad Mark - who had come up with the challenge.