A SAUCHIE youngster ditched his stabilisers to pedal for a good cause over the past month, raising vital funds to support children.

Charlie Pearcy, 6, completed the mammoth sponsored challenge last week, cycling 300km over 30 days to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

The achievement is made even more amazing by the fact that the Craigbank PS pupil could not ride a bike without stabilisers until the challenge started.

He had just turned six at the end of June and received his first bicycle with no stabilisers attached as a birthday present.

The fundraiser, which eventually netted £760, was a way of making sure little Charlie made good use of the gift.

However, the knowledge he was helping other children kept him motivated and made pedalling all that much easier.

Charlie's proud father John told the Advertiser: "That was what spurred him on, the fact he knew he was going to be helping children.

"I'm unbelievably proud, when we set out it was going to be a nice thing if he could do it, we weren't sure – the distance did seem a bit daunting at first."

However, having to pedal for 300km did not phase Charlie, who was accompanied by friends and family during his daily trips over the 30 days of the challenge.

John wanted to pass on his thanks to everyone who joined in and to all who supported the charity cycle with donations.

He added: "He had a lot of support for it, we had family and friends taking him out cycling and recording the distance with him as well.

"The amount we managed to raise is unbelievable as well so it's just a big thank you to everyone really, for all the support and the money."

And following the successful 300km in 30 days challenge, John reckons there is no reason not to try something similar in the future.

The NSPCC aims to protect children and young people from abuse and has been providing a lifeline through its Childline service in Scotland throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

On the phone, counsellors have been supporting young people with a wide range of issues, including mental health worries, family relationships and abuse.

Children and young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Those inspired to take on the NSPCC's Ride300 challenge can visit bit.ly/313BIuu for more information and to sign up.