Lockdown rides raise £440

A brother and sister who took up cycling for the first time during lockdown have achieved an astonishing 300K in just 30 days, raising money in the process too.

Sebastian Garcia, 10, and sister Sophia, eight, were given new bikes in June by their gran.

Mum, Irina, 39, suggested they try the NSPCC 30K charity challenge to get them started.

Every other day, the pair would set off from their home in Sextons Meadows, Bury St Edmunds, supported by their mum or dad, or both, and cycle between 15 and 20K, on average.

The rides have so far raised £440 though their fund-raising page on justgiving.com, called Garcia Crew.

“Sebastian and Sophia were real troopers," said mum, Irina, a former teaching assistant and now social care student.

"None of us have ridden bikes before and though there were a couple of falls, they got straight back on and completed the 30K.

"Having worked with children, I know how important the NSPCC charity is, and pleased we could help.”