Miracles charity founder hits trike trek challenge target – but keeps on pedalling

She is thrilled to have passed the £12,500 mark and hopes the money will keep rolling in, if she continues her daily cycling challenge on her trusty trike.

Theo founded the UK children’s charity Miracles, based in East Preston, in October 1994.

She said: “The aim of this massive effort is to provide seaside holidays for the many families who have lived through the trauma of the Covid-19 lockdown and now desperately need a respite break from the hell they have been through.

“In addition to struggling with poverty during the restrictions, these Miracles’ families also have children undergoing treatment for cancer, heart disease, tumours and other often life-threatening illness.

“They have been through enough and now it’s time to give them a well-deserved respite break with some sunshine and smiles in their tragic lives.”

Theo reached her 80-mile target at midday on Saturday, August 1, and was greeted by enthusiastic supporters outside Seaview Stores, in Sea Road, East Preston.

She said: “Along with Beejal, the owner, who gave free gifts from her shop to all the children, was Emma Ham-Riche, the curate of St Mary’s Church, Tanya, the landlady of the newly-modernised Tudor Tavern and my family, the youngest of whom, seven-year-old Nancy, hitched a lift in the basket!”

Despite Theo’s warning that her trike had a mind of its own, several people were eager to give it a go and it was only Beejal’s son Rushi who managed to master it.

Theo said: “I’m not giving up yet. The Bunn Leisure Holiday Park in Selsey, where the two Miracles caravans are situated, has opened up most of its amenities and fun activities, though the threat of Covid still hangs over us.

“The Miracles caravans will need total refurbishment, stringent cleaning and in-depth sterilisation to ensure there is no risk to our children with their compromised immune systems.

“This total overhaul will add to Miracles’ financial burden at this time when Covid has robbed all charities of public fundraising opportunities. This why Theo’s Trike Trek Challenge is so important – to Miracles and to the desperate families it serves.”

Theo began her trike trek on May 17 and is determined to go on pedalling ‘in the hope of a miracle’ to reach the full £25,000 by her 80th birthday on August 18.

Visit www.miraclesthecharity.org to find out more about the charity.

Visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheoEllert to make a donation.

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