Little superstar gets on bike for our NHS
A wee boy who cycled 100 miles to raise money for the NHS has completed his epic challenge.
Now Ethan Rankin has become a star in his own right, appearing on the Jeremy Vine Show on 5 and STV News.
Thanks to Ethan’s heroics, he’s managed to raise an incredible £ 5000 after mum Erin confirmed he completed his challenge on Sunday, May 17.
And the following day it was even more special as the youngster, from Alloway, celebrated his 5th Birthday.
Mum Erin said: “Ethan completed his challenge and raised over £ 5k.
“He’s been on the STV news and on The Jeremy Vine Show on Channel 5. He really is a local superstar!”
Earlier this month The Post told how Ethan was inspired to embark on his fundraiser after seeing 100 year- old Captain Tom Moore raise a staggering £ 32m by walking 100 laps of his garden.
Watching Tom’s efforts on the television, Ethan turned to mum Erin Ferguson- Rankin and said: “I’m going to cycle 100 miles for the NHS”. And fast forward a few weeks and the youngster’s crossed the finishing line.
Erin said: “It’s phenomenal. I never took him seriously at first – he only got his stabilisers off on April 4. But he started pestering me to set up a JustGiving page. He was only hoping to raise £ 100.”
Dad Aaron and brothers Aidan, two, and Evan, 12, have been joining Ethan for moral support. Ethan’s papa was diagnosed with a brain tumour several weeks ago and his best friend was also recently diagnosed with leukaemia – and that fuelled the youngster’s motivation.
Erin said: “Ethan is over the moon with the turnout he had on his last cycle and the support he received.
“He was so happy, his cousins had made him a hero cape with the NHS symbol and his name on it, so he wore it for his final cycle. The weather wasn’t great but that didn’t stop people coming out and cheering him on, including his wee friend who’s recently been receiving treatment.
“The neighbours showed a real sense of community spirit, designing banners, filling the street with balloons and cheering him on.
“I don’t think he found the cycling too hard, he couldn’t wait to get out on his bike every day as he knew he was raising money to help people. Made easier thanks to the brilliant bike that Sprockets donated which is now his pride and joy.
“He was over the moon with all the messages of support that he has received, especially the one from Sir Chris Hoy and being on STV news and live on the Jeremy Vine show on Thursday have topped it off. He can’t wait to start reading the book which he was kindly given also. The entire family is so proud of him. Thanks have to go to everyone who donated and cheered him on.”
He was over the moon with all the support he received, especially one from Sir Chris Hoy