Chorley schoolboy completes 140-mile charity bike ride (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Chorley schoolboy completes 140-mile charity bike ride

4:00pm Tuesday 10th August 2010 in Abbey Village By Chris Gee, Reporter

ALL GEARED UP: Vinnie with mum and dad Julie and Dave setting out from Whitehaven

A nine-year-old boy has given up part of his summer holidays to undertake a remarkable charity effort — a 140-mile coast-to-coast bike ride.

When little Vinnie Wardale told his parents he wanted to cycle from Whitehaven to Sunderland, they thought he would soon go off the idea.

But the determined young athlete, who lives in Bolton Road, Abbey Village, in Chorley, made the preparations and completed the ride in five days, accompanied by his mum, Julie.

Vinnie, whose hobbies include karate and BMX racing, was inspired into action by his squash coach, John Gibson, who works closely with St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall.

Vinnie’s endurance feat has raised around £500 for the charity, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

“I wanted to do something for charity and I really enjoy cycling,” said Vinnie.

“We dipped our back wheels in the water at Whitehaven last Wednesday and then our front wheels in the sea at Sunderland when we finished on Sunday.

"It felt great and I really enjoyed it. The best bit was eating chips after we’d finished riding.”

Among the stop-offs along the route was an overnight stay in the grounds of Greystoke Castle in the Eden Valley, a building linked with the legend of Tarzan.

Vinnie rode alongside his mum, Julie, 46, and they were supported by dad Dave, 47.

Julie said: “We both though Vinnie would soon forget about the idea after he first came up with it last December, but he was determined to go ahead.”

Those wishing to support Vinnie’s efforts with sponsorship should contact Dave and Julie Wardale by email on skip1a@hotmail.co.uk.