Eight-year-old girl completes 29-mile Settle to Morecambe charity bike ride in memory of grandpa

Russ Fearnley was looked after in his final days by Manorlands hospice, and when Nell Baker heard her mum and dad discussing the fact that the hospice was struggling for funds as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, she decided to help.

And so on Saturday, Nell completed a 29-mile bike ride from Settle to Morecambe, finishing at the Venus and Cupid statue on the promenade and taking in a route via Clapham, Bentham, Wray and Halton.

Nell was supported by her dad Rob, along with Jo and Andrew Dean.

The ride raised money for Sue Ryder, which runs the Manorlands hospice in Keighley.

Nell initially set herself a target of £500 and has so far managed to raise £1,600.

On her JustGiving page, Nell said: "My grandpa was cared for by the amazing team at Manorlands.

"My mum, dad and brother have all done things to raise funds for Sue Ryder and now it is my turn.

"The Anne Bronte sportive route is 29 miles long and my grandpa was born on the 29th, so it is a very appropriate distance.

"Sue Ryder nurses and healthcare teams are always there for local people who are dying. They are providing incredible emotional support as well as specialist medical care to people who are finding themselves in unimaginably difficult circumstances.

"We are all facing something we have never faced before which is why Sue Ryder has launched an appeal to make sure that they are still here.

"I am asking you to give whatever you can afford at this difficult time. Every pound you give could make the difference to whether they can be there or not. It is that simple."

If anyone would like to help Nell get even more money, you can go online here