Amazing Grace: 5-year-old Moray girl cycles 15k to raise money for children's charity Barnardo's
A DETERMINED five-year-old has braved the winter weather to complete a 15k bike ride for charity.
Despite the freezing December temperatures and an early start, Grace Mackman set off on her bike on Sunday morning (December 4) to cycle the almost 10 mile journey from her home in Duffus to Burghead and back again, in the name of children's charity Barnardo's.
The five-year-old was joined by a team of 12 friends and family, who set out at 8am to complete the almost two hour long charity bike ride.
Inspired by her mum Elaine, who has done several marathons and triathlons to raise money for charity, Grace has become a keen cyclist and was determined to complete the bike ride with her family.
Grace's mum Elaine Kirby said: "Grace has just got into cycling and she's really keen on her little bike, she just got her stabilisers off recently and she wanted to do a charity cycle to help children that aren't as lucky as her through raising money for Barnardo's."
"She is the youngest of seven children, but in essence the most determined! She's definitely the boss of the house, she's not shy at all and stands up to everybody, so I knew when we decided to do this that she could handle it."
Although the family practiced the bike ride beforehand the cold and dark December morning made the journey a lot tougher, but despite the freezing temperatures Grace managed to complete the cycle in just under two hours and was rewarded with an ice cream and a trip to soft play for her hard work.
Elaine added: "It was really tough, so I'm really proud of her, she definitely deserves a big well done.
"After we got home on Sunday Grace said she never wanted to go on a bike ride again, but only an hour later she was back on her bike doing a 2k cycle to her friends house, she's brilliant."
Grace has already raised £750 for Barnardo's as a result of her fund raising efforts and her mum Elaine has set up a JustGiving page for donations. Anyone wishing to donate should visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/elaine-kirby-1667161621389
