AN eight-year-old has completed a 100-mile cycling challenge to raise money for struggling Chester Zoo.

Charlie O’Sullivan, from Kingsmead, covered the distance over the course of 18 bike rides in a month, raising £430 in the process.

The idea for the challenge came after Chester Zoo sent an email to its members admitting the Covid-19 crisis had put its future in doubt.

Wayne O’Sullivan, Charlie’s dad, said: “We knew they were in trouble, so we decided we would like to help them out and raise money for them.

Northwich Guardian:

“It’s a massive thing for a lot of families. A lot of people we know go, and it’d be such a sad thing for the area if anything like that was to not be there anymore.”

Although the challenge was demanding at times, Charlie showed determination to see it through.

“It’s not so much the riding – it’s the commitment of having to go out as many times as we did,” said Wayne.

“I’ll be honest with you, I found it quite difficult myself, because I did every ride with him.”

Northwich Guardian:

Charlie’s fundraising effort comes after Chester Zoo was forced to close its doors between March and June – and the much-loved attraction is still undergoing financial difficulties.

A Chester Zoo spokesman said: “Charlie was one our trailblazer fundraisers, who supported us early on in the lockdown, and undoubtedly inspired many others to do the same.

“All of us here at Chester Zoo want to say a big thank you to Charlie for taking on the challenge and riding his bike 100 miles to help save our zoo – a wonderful achievement.

“We’re truly overwhelmed by the kindness that’s being shown to us when times are hard for everyone, not just us.”