Cycling prodigy, 10, completes epic 300-mile charity ride

Felix Cooper, from Penny Bridge, near Ulverston, was part of a team which took on the epic challenge to cycle across the Hebrides to raise money for charity Breast Cancer Now.

The Penny Bridge CE Academy pupil had insisted on joining his dad William Cooper and the other riders on the trek after spying the group's plans on his dad's phone.

The group completed the challenge in five days amid testing conditions as they cycled from the Hebridean island of Barra to Applecross on the mainland, taking 11 islands, six causeways four ferry rides along the way.

Mr Cooper said: "Felix saw that we were planning this ride and decided he had to join us. I am not sure whether he even knew what he was getting himself in for, even though he is a bit of a daredevil and a massive cycling fan who loves road cycling and downhill mountain biking."

After committing to the ride in March, Felix spent the summer training for the cycle, with his hard work leaving him on top form for the grand undertaking.

Mr Cooper, who rode alongside his son, said: "He did so well on the ride and took everything in his stride and did not complain once.

"Some of the team may have though that he would be a hindrance because of his age, but he did amazingly well in keeping up with everyone.

"Any doubts they had would have disappeared on the first day. He did so well - the only thing he complained about was that we had to do in stages.

"It was quite emotional when we got to the top of a clim towards the end and considered what we had done. It was quite ridiculous when you think about it."

The group of riders were inspired to take on the challenge by the wife of one of the cyclists, Nikki Gibson, who fell ill with cancer last year.

Together the team managed to raise £18,000 for the breast cancer charity, with Felix's fundraising efforts totalling £5,000.

And Mrs Gibson, who assisted the team in a support car, was given the all clear days after the group returned home.