Last updated at 16:41, Monday, 24 September 2012

TWO fundraisers have raised more than £2,000 for their friend’s charity after tackling an epic 112-mile bike ride.

Amy Hool and Stefanie Sykes, both from Ulverston, completed the Fred Whitton Challenge on September 15 and 16 to help the mum of a toddler with cerebral palsy bring special educational services to Barrow.

Joanne Bennett, from Gleaston Avenue, Barrow, has to make the two-hour trip to Ormskirk, Lancashire, so three-year-old son Jack can attend Conductive Education sessions.

Mrs Bennett hopes to raise £30,000 to provide the service, which helps children with brain injuries or disabilities to become more independent.

She said: “I don’t really know what to say about what they’ve done.

“It’s hard to describe how it feels that they cycled all that way for Jack. It’s very emotional.”

The trek covered passes including Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose.

Ms Hool, 36, said: “Me and Stefanie did a lot of charity work with the Young Farmers’ Club, and someone mentioned the Fred Whitton Challenge. We thought ‘we can manage that’.

“We didn’t think about it again until Jack was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and it was something we could do to help.”

Despite a fall on the last leg of her journey, Ms Hool described the ride as great fun.

She added: “We would also like to thank our support group, Peter Sykes and Hazel and John Bell.”

Mrs Bennett hopes to be able to reach her £30,000 target by the end of the year and plans to celebrate with a big party. Anyone interested in making a donation can email Mrs Bennett on joannebennett75@hotmail.co.uk.

First published at 11:34, Monday, 24 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk