Young Cyclist Pedals 230 Miles for Paralympics Charities
A 12-year-old boy from Reading has completed a gruelling charity cycle ride from Berkshire to Paris, raising over £8,000 for organisations supporting Paralympians and children with rare diseases.
Dexter, who set off from Woodley on Sunday, finished his 230-mile journey on Tuesday evening, accompanied by his mother Sam and coach Dave Covey. The trio faced a few unexpected detours, with a planned 69-mile stretch turning into a 101-mile ride due to a few wrong turns.
Despite the navigational challenges, Dexter remained upbeat, describing the trip as "really fun" and highlighting cycling along the Seine as a particular highlight. He also enjoyed cycling up a hill used in the Tour de France, which bore the names of famous cyclists etched into the road surface.
The young cyclist's determination was further fuelled by the breathtaking views of Paris, with the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower visible in the distance upon their arrival. "It put a huge smile on my face," he said.
Dexter's fundraising efforts have benefited three charities: Fanconi Hope, which supports children affected by Fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disorder affecting bone marrow; Sport in Mind, which uses physical activity to help those experiencing mental health difficulties; and WheelPower, which supports wheelchair users accessing sport.
Robert Dalgleish, from Fanconi Hope, expressed gratitude for Dexter's efforts, stating that raising awareness of the rare condition is crucial. "We are so delighted to have Dexter fundraise for us," he said. "You've really done amazing things at raising awareness. We're really proud to have you doing this for us."
Dexter himself described the challenge as "great and really fun," but admitted that some sections were tough. Despite the demanding nature of the journey, his spirit of adventure and commitment to supporting worthy causes clearly shone through.
