At just five years old, Lenny Harrison from Plympton is gearing up for a challenge that’s bigger than most children his age would dream of – taking part in the 11km Mini-Moor route of our Tour de Moor. Not only that, but he has already raised over £1,300 for St Luke’s and he hasn’t even crossed the start line yet.
Lenny, who turned five in April, lives with his mum and dad, Mica and Dan, and his older brother Parker, who’s nine. He has recently discovered a love for cycling that’s taken off in a big way.
“Although he’s been great on a balance bike for a while,” says Dan, “he only really became confident on his current bike around April or May this year. But now it’s clicked, we just can’t keep him off it!”
Most evenings after school, Lenny insists on heading out for a ride – so much so that Dan had to borrow a bike himself just to keep up. “He rides and I run, but I can barely keep up with him now!”
Lenny first heard about the Tour de Moor when Dan spotted spotted a flyer at the Life Centre before his swimming lesson. “I checked it out online, saw there was a shorter route and Lenny snapped up the thought of a challenge.”
But Lenny’s ride isn’t just about the adventure, he’s riding in memory of his Great-Granny Liz, who spent her final months at St Luke’s. “Although Lenny never met her, I told him all about her and showed him some photos,” Dan explains. “We even drove out to the hospice last week so he could see it and understand a bit more.” The ride is extra poignant for the family as in just a few weeks, it will be the 25th anniversary of her death. It will be a fitting tribute to her, especially as Lenny has already raised an incredible £1,300 to help other families going through something similar.
For now, alongside his fundraising, Lenny has been getting out on his bike at all opportunities ahead of the big day on Sunday 28 September. Dan added: “He is so excited, but also a bit nervous as I don’t think he knows what to expect, but he has loved training for it.”
Our Tour de Moor is perfect for all abilities and as Lenny has proven, all ages. From our intensive Beast Mode – 53km of cycling at its fiercest, our Adventurer Style – 28km of tough riding and of course our 11km Mini-Moor along Drake’s Trail which is suitable for the whole family.
Sponsored by Pyramid AV, our Tour de Moor is best known as an adrenaline packed two-wheel quest that can test the skills, fitness, and endurance of even the toughest of cyclists. Your registration fee covers our costs to run this event, but it’s your sponsorship and generous donations that really make the difference. If you have already signed up then follow Lenny’s lead and get your JustGiving page up and running and get asking friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.
Feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and achievement as we ride as one to raise funds to support hospice care in our community. Sign up now before it’s too late.
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