‘Inspirational’ boy supports hospices

Charities are to benefit from two terrific cycle rides. One involved a three-year-old boy riding five miles to Wye and the other saw two men battle the elements – and the Alps – on an epic journey from Milan to Monaco

A three-year-old boy from Ashford has completed a fivemile bike ride in aid of charity.

Thomas Allan has been riding a bike without stabilisers since he was two and a half years old and has previously completed two three-mile charity rides.

The five-mile ride from Blackwall Road, Willesborough, to Wye was in aid of Pilgrims Hospices and the special care baby unit, raising more than £100 for each.

Thomas rode safely with support from his mother and aunt Amy.

His mother, Becky Thomas, said: “I am so proud of Thomas. We thought it would be safe riding all the way to Wye, but there was a section which he had to complete on the road, and he was amazing, listening to what he had to do to stay safe.

“He enjoyed the ride so much that the day after he wanted to do it all over again.”

The toddler regularly cycles three miles from the family home in Orchard Heights to his grandmother’s house at the top of Hythe Road.

Deirdre Mewse, Pilgrims Hospices community fundraising officer, who received some of the sponsorship, said: “It was a delight to meet such an enthusiastic supporter and present him with a special medal from Pilgrims Hospices to say thank you for his commitment to raising funds.

“Thomas is such an inspiration as he clearly doesn’t believe anything is beyond him.

“Pilgrims Hospices needs to raise £11 million every year with the support of the local community.”

If, like Thomas, you would like to undertake a challenge in aid of Pilgrims, call 01233 504111, visit www.pilgrimshospices.org or follow the hospice on Facebook or Twitter