Determined Bedhampton boy, 6, completes 'challenging' 10K cycle through Southsea supporting Help for Heroes
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Rudy only learnt how to cycle a year ago, and now he has raised hundreds of pounds for the military charity
A strong-willed six-year-old completed a “challenging” bike ride for a cause close to his heart.
Rudy Sewell, of Bedhampton, cycled 10km through the Southsea today (April 12) to support Help for Heroes. He was greeted by cheers and excitement when he reached the finish point at the D-Day Story Museum in Clarence Esplanade.
He told The News: “I wanted to raise money for Help for Heroes because I like the Army. Everyone should try and do this. It’s fun. I’m planning on doing another one.”
His mum Holly added: “He came home from school after hearing about a friend doing a charity cycle ride and asked if he could do the same for Help for Heroes – of course I said yes. He loves all things military and his favourite day of the year is going to Overlord, in Denmead, to see the vehicles and meet the people.
“I wasn’t surprised when he said about raising funds for Help for Heroes.”
Rudy’s route took him from Eastney ferry to Bath Square in Southsea, before ending at the museum. Despite only learning how to ride a bike last year, he pushed on through challenging weather conditions and a puncture.
Community fundraising manager at Help for Heroes, John Carpenter, thinks Rudy did remarkably well to raise nearly £600 for the organisation. He told The News: “It was challenging for him. The longest he has cycled so far is around 8km, so to do 10km is a long way for him. He’s only six.
“There was a headwind pretty much all the way. He struggled against that, but he kept going and didn’t stop. We had to quickly repair a puncture at one point, but we got him quickly back on the road ahead of the finish line.
“He was overwhelmed because friends and family were meeting him there. He just wanted to do it and wasn’t expecting all the fuss. He enjoyed it though. The fact that someone at six-years-old is inspired and wants to support us is really nice. It means a lot to us.”
Donations can be made to Rudy’s fundraiser via an online JustGiving page here.