Wigan's little fundraising hero cycles 100 laps for charity inspired by Captain Tom

Alice Rowe has been helping to support the animals at Freshfields Animal Rescue in Formby, as she cycled 100 laps (33.3 miles) around Hilldale Park in just two and a half weeks.

Having only learned to ride a bike last year, it was Alice’s own idea to cycle for charity after learning about Captain Tom during home-school.

Alice’s mum, Laura Rowe, said: “She had a lesson on Captain Tom to get the message across about what he did, how he raised so much money and how he’s going to be remembered.

“I think originally it was more of a challenge for herself but then she just loves animals so much that she wanted to help animals too - she only wanted to raise £100 but it’s over £2,300 now.”

Laura said Alice is ‘really happy’ when she goes to bed at night because she knows the animals are safe and warm like she is because of what she’s done.

The self-employed mum-of-three, continued: “Alice had good days and bad days. She did up to 13 laps in one day but on another day she came off her bike and went over the handlebars - she had a black eye and a cut chin.

“I tried to tell her to have a rest day every now and again but she wasn’t having any of it. She never complained, she went down every day and did what she could.”

For Alice, it was the messages of support from family, friends and strangers which meant as much to her as the donations did - including proud dad, Steve and older brothers George and Jack, who cheered her on all the way.

Laura said: “She’s read all the comments on the JustGiving link and all the messages on Facebook. She was surprised about all the support because I don’t think she really thought it was that big of a deal.

“I’ve had messages from people I don't know saying she is a 'hope for the future of humanity'. All the messages I’ve read make me emotional.”

Freshfields Animal Rescue care for abandoned, abused and unwanted domestic and small farm animals, along with sick and injured wildlife in the community.

They said: “Everyone at Freshfields is so thrilled about what Alice has done for the animals. She has made a huge difference to the lives of hundreds of animals we rescue and rehome every year.

“Thanks to Alice, animals in desperate need of kindness will get the food, warmth, shelter and safety they need whilst we search for the forever, loving home they deserve.

“We are all so very proud of you Alice, for being a lovely, kind girl and thinking of others. Much love from everyone at Freshfields - both two and four legged.”

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