A WEE COUNTY family have helped design a cycling jersey for the upcoming Sportive Kinross event – to mark its ongoing support for a charity close to their hearts.

Muckhart's Marion and Iain Riddell were able to previously participate in the event thanks to the support they receive from Children's Hospices Across Scotland's Rachel House.

The charity, better known as CHAS, provides expert care for the couple's 11-year-old daughter Isla, who lives with complications from cerebral palsy.

The charity has strong links with the Sportive Kinross event; taking place on April 25, it's one of Scotland's most popular cycling events and is run by volunteers from Kinross Cycling Club.

Since its inception in 2011, the club has raised more than £75,000 in donations for CHAS.

To recognise that incredibly generous support, the Riddell's teamed up with Sportive Kinross and Kinross High School to design a commemorative cycling jersey featuring the CHAS logo.

Speaking about the incredible support her daughter receives, Marion said: "Having the club and Rachel House in our lives can help make the day to day that bit easier.

"We've been coming to Rachel House since Isla was 4 years old, when she became more unwell. They've been very supportive over the years and we've had some lovely stays there.

"It's a lovely place to come to – a place where Isla can have fun in a great environment and a place where we can come as a family.

"We've got some lovely memories of special times there. We also get to meet families who are in a similar situation and find out how they cope with things.

"As a member of Kinross Club, I heard about the Sportive and was able to volunteer last year, while Iain has taken part in the last few years.

"I'm hoping to get on the bike for it this year, so I'm really looking forward to that. Meanwhile Isla can come to Rachel House, where we know she will be well looked after."

Lyndsay Stobie, community fundraiser at CHAS, added: "We owe Sportive Kinross a debt of gratitude for everything they've done and continue to do to raise money for CHAS.

"This jersey is a lovely symbol of our ten-year association and a gesture that means all the more with Isla, Marion and Kinross High School's involvement."

The jersey can be purchased online by visiting sportive-kinross.co.uk.