Coast to coast challenge for cycling friends

The four riders, from Batley, Leeds and Wakefield, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 13 days for the Sick Children’s Trust, which provides accommodation for parents of hospitalised children.

The charity supported rider Liam Ballinger’s family when his niece, Jessica Morris, six, had major heart and lung surgery just days after she was born at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 2006.

Liam’s wife Lauren is a Reporter Series journalist.

Liam, 29, of Hanging Heaton, said: “Jess has many serious conditions, meaning she often needs hospital treatment for up to 10 weeks at a time.

“Her condition is unique and she has been described by specialists as a medical marvel. Treetop House in Sheffield provided accommodation for Jess’s mum Jo and dad Lee, her sister Melissa and brother James whenever they needed it.

“The charity is funded only by donations and our cash will be used to help build a brand new facility. It will mean the world to me, especially in light of what they have already done for my family.”