Update: We did it! Arrived in good time at the Freeman on Friday after doing all of the planned 71 miles and we had a wonderful (if occasionally damp) time. A massive thanks to all for your support, donations, encouragement and chocolate.

Love Lyra and Phoebe

Lyra was born with a hole in her heart, which was fixed using some extremely clever Lego by the amazing people at the Freeman Children's Cardiac Unit, before she started school. Without this surgery, her life expectancy would have been much reduced.

The staff were amazing and the Unit is a welcoming and loving place for children to be, so Lyra wanted to be brave and give something back, so that other children can have the wonderful experience that she did.

Lyra (and mum) are cycling some of the C2C coast to coast 105mile cycle trail this Easter. We will start in Workington on the West Coast and end at the Freeman Unit in Newcastle. 

It is very likely that we will use other transport around the high-altitude part of the trail (so we will not necessarily do the entire trail) at Langwathby (see map below), as mum is anxious that the weather will not be good enough to be in so high and isolated a place. (Mum is also worried she won't manage the ascent as it is *really* steep). Lyra thinks we should just get an armoured bear to help us. We will probably do about 60-80miles in total over four days - a huge feat for a small person (and quite a small mum).

Lyra would be very grateful for any donations to the Freeman's Children's Cardiac Unit fund (CHUF) to provide inpatient and other support for children.  CHUF's mission is to make life better for children and young people who are born with or who develop heart conditions by providing lifelong support to them and their families.

If you would like to receive Lyra's four days of email journey updates (written by Lyra herself, with photo's) over the course of the ride, then please email phoebepallotti@gmail.com with your email address (unless, as is likely, I already have it, so then just wave at me).

Update:

March 12th : Hi everyone, we have now set the route and booked accommodation, here are the final plans!

Tuesday 3rd April 2018 – Workington to Cockermouth– 10 miles
Wednesday 4th April 2018 – Cockermouth to Keswick – 13.7 miles
Thursday 5th April 2018 – Keswick to Penrith – 19.9 miles then
Penrith to Consett – In the Car with Grandaddy Chris!
Friday 6th April – Consett to Freeman Children’s Cardiac Unit – 27.4 miles

= Lyra is cycling 71 miles!!!!

Update 14th March: JE James, our local bike store (and where Lyra's fab green Frog 55 bike comes from!) are supporting us with a free service and general getting readiness! Thanks!  https://www.jejamescycles.com