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North-West Norfolk

8 year old cycles 80 miles for charity

Sophia and her dad Ben cycle from King's Lynn to Cromer to raise money for East Winch Wildlife Centre

8 year old cycles 80 miles for charity

"We're tired, but extremely proud for making it," Ben Sawyer tells me. Him and his 8 year old daughter have completed an 80 mile charity bike ride.

"It was really motivating checking the JustGiving page along our journey, reading the comments and seeing our total climb up!"

The cycle, from King's Lynn to Cromer, is to raise money for East Winch Wildlife Centre.

They want to give back to the centre, as it's where Sophia took a fallen nest of baby jackdaws to be looked after.

"I rescue baby jackdaws," she tells me, "And they just made me think I'd like to help the animals that are still there and trying to recover."

Ben adds, "We often take birds and animals we have found, that need a little bit of help, up to the RSPCA in East Winch - and it's nice to give them something back."

I meet the pair in Old Hunstanton, just before they set off for their second day cycling to Wells. They've already done 28 miles.

They tell me it was a tiring first day, but they've slept well - I ask how many miles they'll be doing in total.

Ben says, "We say 70, but it's definitely more than 70, especially when someone goes the wrong way, me!" Sophia points to her dad to emphasise the point - giggling.

They laugh about their journey so far, both of them clearly enjoying the experience and the time together.

Sophia says it's a fun thing to do with her dad, adding, "I get to see stuff that you don't normally see, when you're in a car. We saw some deer and went by a river."

She goes on to tell me snacks have been key, and Ben smiles and says they have a secret weapon.

"Harry Styles, when she's starting to feel tired, I pop him on - and it gives her motivation."

Before I wave the pair off, I ask Ben what he thinks of Sophia taking on this challenge.

"I'm so proud of her, she's a real strong little character, and anything like this we'll do everything we can to support her.

"She's a very determined little girl - she's got tonnes of grit."

And she really does, because in just 3 days she cycles 80 miles and raises hundreds of pounds for charity.

The whole family, and Sophia's best friend Harriet, are waiting for them in Cromer to celebrate their arrival.

The 8 year old says she enjoyed the whole route, but that, 'her favourite part was finishing it'. And she's already planning a fundraising swim, and another bike ride with her younger sister Florence.

Ben and Sophia in Cromer, with sister Florence in the background

When Ben asks what advice Sophia has for her sister, she turns to her and says, 'Just remember Florence, never give up!'

What an incredible 8 year old, with a wonderfully supportive family.

Well done Sophia and Ben!

Anyone who would like to support Sophia's challenge can donate through her Sophia Coast Cycle JustGiving page.

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