Girls in gear for coastal quest in aid of hospital
TWO schoolgirls are taking on gruelling cycling challenge to raise money for the hospital which has helped a family friend.
Fifteen-year-olds Phoebe Harrison, from Ashbourne, and her pal Georgina Slater, from Etwall, will be cycling the 121-mile Coast to Coast route from Carlisle along the length of Hadrian’s Wall to Newcastle to raise money after a friend who had to spend part of the Covid pandemic in Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The quest is set to take them two days to complete on September 1 and 2.
The pair have taken on challenges before, including kayaking the length of a marathon down the canals near Willington to raise money for ME research, a condition that Georgina’s 20-year-old sister Lottie suffers from.
Georgina says the latest idea came about after a brainstorming session earlier this year on how they could help.
She said: “We were both looking at different things to do and we stumbled on the Coast to Coast challenge. Neither of us had been to that part of the country before and I think that’s why we went with that one. It just stuck out to us.
“We did our kayaking marathon in July 2019 to raise money for ME research as my sister has it. It was really rainy and cold but we did it. I guess that just inspired us to do another one. The training for this one is going really well so far. We are going out twice a week for a long bike ride, plus some hill training as well.
“I think we both feel a bit nervous as the route is quite hilly but we are both looking forward to it. We are confident. It will be a different experience and a whole new area of the country but it is going to be exciting.”
Phoebe said: “We always knew we wanted to do another challenge. When we were brainstorming the idea we just agreed on the C2C challenge.
“I used to do junior triathlons but I had never really cycled long distances. I think the longest ride I went on before doing the training was about 5km when I was ten years old.
“The training is going well and we have been getting cycling advice from various family friends, which has definitely helped with fitness.
“We settled on raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity because one of our close family friends was there with blood issues and we know how much the hospital has helped them. I think that is what will drive me when the route gets particularly difficult.”
Phoebe’s proud mum Emma, 44, said that she had one or two concerns but overall was confident they could do it.
She said: “I am a little bit worried. But they are both so determined. They have done a lot of training and Phoebe does children’s triathalons. Neither has done training for long distances on a bike before they started this. They are only a few weeks in but everyone involved is looking forward to it. They have so much determination.
“We have a family friend who had a six-year-old girl who had blood problems and had a bone marrow transplant over Covid.
“It was really hard for them so supporting the hospital where they were, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, was a no-brainer.
“The girls have known each other since they were seven years old. I’m sure they will smash it.”
The girls’ parents will follow them on their challenge and will meet with them at checkpoints along the route.
Georgina’s mum Wendy said: “My first reaction was one of a surprise, to be honest. But my organisational instinct kicked in instantly.
“Georgina didn’t even have a bike but they were both sporty anyway and have been for all their lives. Their last fundraiser was for my other daughter, Lottie who has ME. They raised
around three and a half grand for research into the condition, which was outstanding.
“They now have a target which they can smash.
“The whole challenge is taking place on the two days before they start year 11 and their GCSE year so they have a lot on their plate but the girls love a challenge and I am super proud of both of them. “It is really important that people know about their challenge and support some fabulous teenagers.” To donate, visit www. gofundme.com and search for Georgina and Phoebe.
I think the longest ride I went on before doing the training was about 5km when I was ten years old. Phoebe Harrison