A seven-year-old girl has gone the extra mile to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Grace Morgan made the decision one morning in April to get on her bike and raise money for the people and animals of Ukraine, currently suffering the devastating impacts of war.
Under her own initiative and steam she told her dad Val Morgan of Aberfoyle and mum Emma Clarke of Doune, that she was going to cycle the 22 miles between the two villages to raise money.
With a little help, she set up her own JustGiving page and so far has raised a staggering £1,330.
The money will be divided equally between the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and Network for Animals, both working to support people and animals in urgent need of help.
As well as donations, Grace got great support from local businesses. Aberfoyle Bike Hire checked over her bike and got rid of her squeaky breaks and the fantastic outdoor shop Intrepid generously donated a brand-new funky helmet.
Then, with very few training rides but lots of support and encouragement from mum and dad, Grace hit the road on Sunday May 8.
There was a great send off from friends and family in Doune.
Accompanied for the first leg by friend Niamh Mitchell, the girls were cheered on along the way to Callander by friends by the side of the road, before stopping for a hearty lunch kindly provided free of charge by McLaren Leisure Centre.
From there Grace, with her dad in support, headed into the Trossachs, along Loch Venachar and over the Menteith Hills.
Having set off at 10.30am Grace made her speedy descent into Aberfoyle at 5pm to be met by her mum and pals for pizza and a well-deserved chocolate fountain.
Speaking about why she took on Grace’s Cycle Challenge and how she feels about her accomplishment, Grace said: “I wanted to help the people and animals of Ukraine as they’re having a very hard time right now.
“Everything about the day was fun, going down hills and being outdoors all day.
“It was really nice to have my friends and their mums and dads come out and support me. Thank you to everyone for their donations.”
Proud dad Val said: “I’ve been amazed by Grace from start to finish. The idea absolutely came out of the blue, it was completely Grace’s idea, with no discussion, she just told us she was doing it, her mind was made up.
“Then raising the money and taking on the challenge itself. I still can’t quite believe that a wee seven-year-old girl can cycle 22 miles in one go, including over the hills. Many adults wouldn’t be able to do that.
“Grace has a wonderful heart and this is a fantastic achievement. She can be very proud of what she’s accomplished.”
Delighted mum Emma said, “It’s amazing that Grace has wanted to help both people and animals affected by the war in Ukraine and has followed through with her idea.
“Even at the end she still wanted to carry on cycling! It’s a fantastic achievement - she’s my little star.”
To make a donation to Grace’s Cycle Challenge visit: www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/graces-cycle-challenge
