Teenagers take on charity cycle ride

TWO Westbury teenagers will be cycling across Wiltshire to raise money for the Wallace and Gromit’s grand appeal, and have already smashed their fundraising target.
10-year-old Tyler Wood, a pupil at Bitham Brook Primary School has spent seven weeks at Bristol Children’s Hospital due to a rare undiagnosed heart condition, where he will remain until a heart donor is found.
Now his brother James Wood, 15, and James’ friend Ashley Hart, 15, will be taking on a 50-mile bike ride to raise money for the appeal. Having set a target of £500, they’ve already smashed their target with over £1,500 raised before they even set off on their challenge on the 31st October. Tyler’s form teacher Mr Slater will also be cycling with the teenagers. The group is planning to cycle from Bitham Brook Primary School to Wilton House, near Salisbury, and back. They will be supported by friends and family along the way.
Tyler’s father David said, “Tyler and other poorly children rely on charities such as the Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal as they support a wide range of life-saving equipment, family accommodation, patient comforts such as TVs and iPads as well as a whole programme of arts, music, educational and play facilities in the Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“With the massive strain on family life and a feeling of emptiness, James my eldest son, feels this is an ideal way to feel part of Tyler’s recovery and wellbeing. Ashley was present on James’s first day back at school and saw how upset James was, so had the idea to do something to make a difference and feel like he is helping out his friend.
“It would be great if the town of Westbury and surrounding areas got behind the boys, and we more than welcome further donations in the run up to the cycle ride. We support the Grand Appeal having had first-hand experience of how their charity makes a massive difference to the children in the wards.”
You can sponsor James and Ashley at http://uk.virgin moneygiving.com/team/AshAndJamesCharityRide
You can find out more about that Grand Appeal at www.grandappeal.org.uk