Brothers get on their bikes to 'visit' grandad in Wigan for Comic Relief

A proud grandad will be cheering on his three grandsons today as they complete a virtual 173-mile bike ride to visit him in Wigan.
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Laurence Fairhurst said he was “thrilled” that Javi, nine, Leo, seven, and Seb, six, had taken on the challenge in aid of Comic Relief.

The boys live in Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, and decided to cycle the distance to their grandad’s house in Standish to raise money.

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They started one month ago and have been wearing silly accessories for their rides to add to the fun.

Javi, Leo and Seb plotted their route to Standish on a mapJavi, Leo and Seb plotted their route to Standish on a map
Javi, Leo and Seb plotted their route to Standish on a map

And the youngsters will cycle the last six miles today - which is Red Nose Day - to virtually arrive at their destination.

Laurence said: “It’s incredible. It’ all off their own backs, they have done it with little help. It’s been a great achievement. I’m so thrilled. I miss them badly.”

The boys heard about Comic Relief earlier this year and asked their mum Lou what it was about.

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She said: “I did what most mums probably shouldn’t do and showed them the results of Comic Relief. We all watched some videos and when they started crying, I felt incredibly guilty.

Laurence Fairhurst with his grandsonsLaurence Fairhurst with his grandsons
Laurence Fairhurst with his grandsons

“They watched a video of a little boy and it moved them, so we chatted about how they could make a difference. They were very keen to do something.”

The brothers have been cycling during the pandemic, so they decided to ride the distance to Standish.

They are close to their grandad but have not been able to see him in person since October due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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They got out a map to work out how far it was and where they would reach each day.

The boys started cycling on February 19 and have been wearing fun accessories as they ride around the streets of Berkhamstead or get on an exercise bike at home.

Lou said: “We have had pineapples on heads, onesies, superhero capes, all kinds of helmets and mask. Every day the wear something different.”

They have stuck to their challenge, even getting on their bikes before school some days, and have seen the sponsor money pour in.

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Lou said: “They have really enjoyed it. They are still young and they have got school and home-school. They have stuck at it. One day they might have done six miles and then one the next.

“We have told them how important it is to keep at it and that’s when you know you are making a difference.

“They have raised £1,500. I set the target at £250 and we upped it to £500 and then £750. We are so proud of them.”

The boys have had support from their school, who featured their fund-raising challenge in a newsletter.

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And they received a box of sweets from their grandad this week to celebrate their hard work as they prepare for their final ride.

He maybe many miles away in real life, but Laurence will certainly be willing on his dedicated grandsons as they cycle into Standish today.

To sponsor Javi, Leo and Seb, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louiseg-rednoseday21

This year Comic Relief will help tackle issues such as homelessness, domestic abuse and mental health stigma, and support those affected by the pandemic.

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