Cycling fund-raisers celebrate success during cycle to school week

Throughout the summer, 10-year-old Isabelle, and her seven-year-old brother Lucas pedalled their way through the 100-mile cycle challenge, raising £580 for local community groups in the process.

The duo have now been backing up their success by taking part in Cycle to School Week, encouraging their classmates and other young people across the borough to get involved.

The pair were keen to spread the word about the week (October 3 to 7) having pledged to take part themselves every day.

Mum Emma Wetherby said: “They both inspire me every day with their enthusiasm, energy and determination.

“It was a fantastic adventure and they were really excited to finish their challenge.”

They cycled a total of 119 miles each by the end of the fund-raiser, for a total of 22 hours during August and their efforts were recognised by their school, Winstanley Community Primary, which presented them with a Good Citizen Award.

They travelled through the borough on the Bee Network cycle paths and the local canal network including Top Lock, Pennington Flash, Three Sisters and Viridor Wood.

Isabelle said: “I loved going on the bike rides and being out in the fresh air in the morning. I also loved cycling past Uncles Joe’s and the bread factory because they smelt so good!”

One of Lucas’s favourite parts was getting up close to nature. He said: “It was amazing to see a fox, a deer and some herons during our bikes rides.”

They elected to donate the money to local organisations that are close to their heart including St Cuthbert’s under-7s rugby team, the Invictus Triathlon Junior Club, Winstanley CP School and Wellspring at St Paul’s Parish Hall

Their school has decided to expand its new library with new children’s books; the Invictus Triathlon Junior Club is planning to purchase new kit; and St Cuthbert’s is organising a special event with its donation.

Wellspring will also be taking 30 children to a pantomime and providing a hot meal for 60 local people.

Coun Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “A massive congratulations to Isabelle and Lucas.

“This is an amazing thing to have done during their summer holidays, exploring the borough by bike and raising money for local groups on their way.

“As a council, we are investing in safe and attractive routes to make it easier for people to choose to hop on their bike. In recent years, cycle routes have been completed and improved on Smithy Brook Road, Victoria Street, the Road to Wigan Pier, and of course the off-road route from Leigh to Pennington Flash which was completed earlier this year.

“We’re also working with local schools to help children feel more confident on their bikes, with free Dr Bike sessions, which have seen 471 bikes repaired for free in just the last five months.

“The Bikeability Balance programme launched in September and has seen more than 1,000 reception and year one pupils signed up already.

“I’ve definitely been inspired by Isabelle and Lucas, and I’d like to say a huge well done to them again!”