A FATHER and daughter from Burbage are gearing up for a 125-mile charity cycle ride, which she says will be her biggest challenge.

Together James and Olivia Austen, 9, of Manor Gardens are trying to raise £1,250 in aid of Cancer Research UK when they ride from Devizes Wharf to Westminster on April 16.

The pair will put pedal to the metal along the 201km route, which will run alongside the famous Devizes to Westminster canoe race, mainly on towpaths.

"I have done lots of long walks and climbed Scafell Pike in the Lake District when I was 5, but this will be the biggest challenge yet though," said Olivia, who attends Pewsey's St Francis Primary School.

"Last year I went on a 55-miler from Burbage to Henley with my Daddy, so this year wanted to try and do something a bit bigger and longer.

"It also gave us the opportunity to raise money for charity. A friend of mine at school has Type 1 diabetes, and I know this is under-funded.

"I am looking forward to seeing everything along the way but but I am a little bit nervous too. I do not think it will be fair to beat my dad again."

The two cyclists, who will be on their bikes for two days, are also looking to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as one of Olivia's friends has Type 1 diabetes.

"Olivia is pretty confident she can do this. She is a determined young girl and she wants to do this for the charities and her good friend," said Mr Austen.

"We chose this as the canoe race is pretty well known round here and we wanted to do something a little bit different. Also it will be nice as at the half way point in Henley we can stop over at my parents to refuel.

"Both of us really are raring to go for it. It should be a great couple of days and a wonderful family bonding session. I think it will be fun to see the canoers paddle along the river as we pedal along the towpath, cheering each other on.

"Over the next few weeks we will get training which should be fun. She says she will beat me to the line but we will see about that."

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