A SIX-year-old from Rudheath has completed a charity bike ride to Shakerley Mere in memory of her much-loved Nanna B.

Emilia Bown decided that she wanted to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK after her great grandmother, Barbara Birchall, was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago.

Nanna B, aged 79 and from Middlewich, sadly passed away last week, but this did not deter Emilia in her fundraising efforts and made her more determined than ever to complete the challenge.

And during an emotional day, she was able to raise £290 for charity and smashed her original target of £50 in the process.

“Emilia was very close to her Nanna B and it was a very emotional time when she sadly passed away,” said Emilia’s mother Jodie Birchall.

“She really wanted to do something to help in any way that she could, so she came up with the idea to raise money for a cancer charity all by herself.

“She is forever in the garden riding her bike as she absolutely loves it, so she was really looking forward to getting out and hitting the open road.”

Knutsford Guardian:

Emilia with her Nanna B

Emilia was joined on the bike ride by her dad and her two uncles, who gave her encouragement along the way, and the whole family were waiting to greet her at the finish line at Shakerley Mere.

“The bike ride went really well and because she was so determined and didn’t stop until the end, she reached the finish line in half the time that everyone was expecting,” Jodie added.

“Emilia was over the moon to have raised so much for charity and all the family were so proud when we met her at the end.

“It was a difficult and emotional day for everyone, but Emilia is really happy that she did it.

“And as soon as she got home, she said that she wants to do it again or something similar to raise money in memory of her Nanna B.”

If you would like to support Cancer Research UK, visit Emilia’s sponsorship page here.