Young cyclist completes 200-mile challenge and raises thousands for Chester Zoo

The plucky Atherton rider battled all weathers to complete the gruelling schedule in a little under four weeks.

Emily, 10, crossed the finishing line at her home with family, friends and neighbours lining up at socially-distanced intervals to cheer her.

With the help of an online fund-raising campaign Emily’s efforts in the saddle have paid spectacular dividends, raising the impressive total of more than £2,500, which could rise to £2,600 when Gift Aid is taken into account.

Emily is passionate about wildlife and nature and came up with her 200-mile challenge, as that is how many Sumatran tigers are left in the wild.

Her mum Jen Roberts said: “Emily is over the moon and we are all so incredibly proud of her.

“She finished the 200 miles on Sunday and crossed the line in our street. Her dad and stepdad went out with her and a few people greeted her back. She was a bit embarrassed at first but she was smiling.

“She has shown incredible determination. She has had all weathers: storms and thunder, a heat wave, torrential rain. She went out every day with either her dad or stepdad because she wanted to complete the challenge.

“She’s had a lot of support online and has enjoyed reading the message. They have kept her going.

“She’s currently having a well-earned rest as her legs are tired, but then we will have to see what she takes on next.”

The zoo has been in touch with Emily during the challenge with messages of support and expressing the organisation’s gratitude and pride at her efforts.

She initially set a target of just £200, but smashed that over the month, raising hundreds of pounds within a few days.

Emily has been accompanied on her rides by her dad Christopher Wyper and stepdad Scott Roberts and supported throughout by Jen and stepmum Jaclyn Wyper.

She is now looking forward to booking a visit to Chester Zoo during the summer holidays to see the animals she has been helping to look after.

Although the attraction is now able to welcome reduced numbers of visitors through the doors again, the pandemic means it will be reliant on donations and generous public support for some time to meet its massive running costs.

Find out more about Emily’s challenge by searching for Cycling For Chester Zoo on Facebook.