Two Upottery families undertake 16 mile cycling challenge to raise money for a new climbing frame

Two families from Upottery cycled from Dawlish Warren to Exmouth to help raise money for a climbing frame for their village.

Sarah Clarke, her husband Kevin and their children (aged seven, five and two) rode 16.4 miles last weekend after weeks of training and practice cycles. 

The main frame in the Upottery park was taken down last summer because it was rotten. Since then, the community has come together to raise the funds to replace it. 

The Clarke family undertook the cycling challenge with another family with a 6-year-old boy and an eight-year old.

Sarah and her children wanted to do something to help raise the funds. Sarah said: "I wanted to help raise money and do something which involved the children. 

"I was a bit hesitant at first when I realised the number of miles involved, but when we started training I realised how far they could cycle and what they could achieve."

The Chard to Illminster cycle route was the starting point for training - and the park at the end of the route offered encouragement for the children to keep pedalling! 

After last weekend's ride, Sarah told Nub News: "The bike ride went really well, but they were really tired by the end. 

"As we cycled we kept our eyes peeled for parks - and ice-creams! We did get a puncture, which was a bit of bad luck.

"The effort was worth it though as the kids really want a new play frame in the park. The children can't believe we have already raised over £1000 and we're all so thankful for all the support."

If you would like to help Sarah, Oscar, Flora and Verity raise money for a replacement climbing frame you can do so here. 

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