Race for funds to help little Felpham girl walk

A colossal cycle ride and a night showcasing the newest trends are the latest events in aid of Bethany Chiddle.

Bethany has cerebral palsy and her family are hoping a £35,000 operation will be life-changing for her.

Bethany, who is four on Thursday, has been given a date of November 20 for the operation which will take place in St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri. It is one of the leading children’s hospitals in America.

The total raised for Bethany stands around £20,000 and her team of fundraisers are determined to hit the target.

Bethany’s mum Kerry Chiddle said: “We have about £10,000 left to go and we are determined 
to do it. Beth is going and that is that.

“I am overwhelmed by how much we have raised so far. Everyone has been incredibly generous. One local businessman has donated the money for the flights to America for Bethany and me, which is a huge help.”

Trevor Francis, Bethany’s godfather, will get into the saddle tomorrow and tackle a 100-mile bike ride.

His two-day journey will see him cycle from Winchester to Eastbourne across the South Downs Way.

The 39-year-old said: “I have probably done about a month’s training, splitting the time between work and spending time with my own family. It will be a challenge, but I am determined.”

Trevor will set off on his mission about 6am tomorrow from central Winchester. He will stop in Amberley overnight before strapping on his helmet again at 7am on Saturday to complete his final leg. He hopes to finish about 7pm.

“I would like to hit the £1,000 mark, but anything I manage to collect will make such a big difference. It will all go towards helping fund Bethany’s life-changing operation,” he added.

The second event for Bethany will be a fun and fashion evening on September 15. Organised by the Chiddles’ family friend Zoe Ungermand, it will feature hot trends and a lot of laughs. It starts at 7pm in the Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre in Olivers Meadow.

Advance tickets cost £6 and are available from [email protected]. Tickets priced at £8 will be sold on the door.