Carnwath boy completes cycle challenge with grandad's help

Jack Murray, from Carnwath, near Biggar, undertook the ride with his grandad Andrew Brown for Children 1st.

The charity supports children and their families to recover from trauma and abuse.

Angela Murray, Jack’s mum, said: “He wanted to help other children, and we said ‘well do you want to help children across the world or do you want to help children here?’ And he said here.”

In preparation for the charity cycle, Jack trained by cycling to and from his grandad’s house, who lives roughly seven miles away in Dolphinton.

He also went out with his grandad every couple of weekends to do a big cycle ride to prepare.

Jack and his grandpa began their cycle on Saturday, July 22.

They cycled from Edinburgh to Glasgow along the Forth and Clyde and Union canals.

They completed the impressive distance over three days and finished their journey on Monday, July 24.

Angela added: “He’s always loved cycling, but he’s not done anything like this before, no major distances. He does a lot of cycling around our house and he goes down to the bottom of the road to see his friends and takes his bike on holiday.”

After the first day of cycling, Jack was a bit sore, but he did not complain about it the next day and Angela said he “had a great time, he loved it – every minute of it”.

As of the moment, Jack’s charity cycle ride has raised £1,031 – beating his £1,000 target.

Jack does not have any major plans for the rest of his summer.

However, he will be doing a presentation at his school after the summer holidays all about his cycle ride and some of his teachers have sponsored him.

“He’s done so well; I’m so proud of him, without any moans or groans. He did really well. He enjoyed spending time with his grandpa as well,” Angela said.