An inspirational 13-year-old has been cycling the length of the Leeds Liverpool canal.
Rocco Wild, from Foulridge, set out on the challenge to raise funds for PAPYRUS, a charity to help with the Prevention of Young suicide.
On Friday he covered 32 miles from Foulridge to Chorley, which took him more than five hours. On Saturday, he headed off to Liverpool but was stopped due to high winds so will go back to do the 18 miles next weekend.
On Sunday, he cycled 45 miles from Foulridge to Leeds so has completed that section of the canal track. Once he completes the final 18 miles to Liverpool this coming Sunday he will have finished the whole distance.
He was joined by some more experienced cyclists from his local cycling club.
His grandparents Anne and Dave Edgar were also by his side during the gruelling journey.
Anne said: “We are all so proud of him. It is amazing to just go ahead with the challenge of his own accord.
“The target is to raise £500 for the charity.
“We have been driving and meeting him at different stops. He has come through some pretty nasty weather. Friday was really bad and he did really well to finish that leg of the journey.
“We thought it would be good to have us here. After all, he is only 13!”
"Many thanks to all his cycling friends and coaches and special thanks to Mike, Tim, Bob and Manny for making this happen. This is something very special that Rocco will never ever forget."
Rocco who attends Ermysted's Grammar School, was also looking to gain an accreditation and award at his school as part of the fundraising.
Rocco was joined by his local cycling club members
The charity PAPYRUS (Parents' Association for the Prevention of Young Suicide) exists to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives, by aiming to ‘shatter the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress.’
It was founded in 1997 by a mother, Jean Kerr, from Lancashire, following the loss of her son to suicide.
You can still support Rocco by clicking on his JustGiving page.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel