Velvet Junior Bike Race raises over £300 for charity

Some of the children taking part in the Velvet Junior Bike Race

Well done to all the children from across Tynedale who took part in the Velvet Junior Bike Race at Derwent Reservoir. The money raised went to boost The Penguin Fund at Newcastle Freeman Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

The parents of a little girl, Martha Anderson, set up the fund to buy another much-needed artificial heart machine for the hospital, after Martha received life-saving treatment on one when she was three years old.

Martha’s mum, Gillian Andersen said: “Words can’t express the family’s gratitude to everyone involved for their generosity and support. Martha and her twin sister had a fantastic time meeting them at the finishing line.”

Every entrant got a medal and had fun in the Velvet Children’s Village, which featured a bouncy castle and balloon artists.

Tony Richards, factory and site manager at SCA Prudhoe Mill, said: “Martha is a remarkable little girl and the progress she has made since last year’s event is fantastic to see.”

To make a donation to the PICU the Penguin Fund go to www.picuthepenguin.co.uk