OPA Bell Lane student to take on 127 mile charity cycle challenge

An ambitious 8-year-old will be cycling 127 miles over 3 days to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease Association. Scarlette Clough, a Year 4 student at Outwood Primary Academy Bell Lane, has chosen to take on the challenge after her Grandad, Brian, was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Scarlette will embark on the journey alongside her stepdad, Gareth, cycling a route that will run beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal - starting in Leeds on Saturday 29 April and finishing on Monday 1 May in Liverpool.

Leigh, Scarlette’s mum, said:

“This has affected Brian’s life massively and it’s devastating to see. He has always been so fit; enjoying running, swimming and cycling. These are now things he can no longer enjoy. These are things he should’ve been doing in his well-deserved retirement, not this. Life is so cruel!”

Brian added:

“I am extremely proud of my granddaughter, Scarlette. The support for her cycle ride has exceeded all expectations. I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all their kind donations.”

Scarlette has already raised 90% of her fundraising target of £2,250, which will go to MND Association, a charity which focuses on improving access to care, research and campaigning for those living with or affected by MND in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Donations can be made via Scarlette’s JustGiving page below.