SILHILLIANS are being called on come out and show their support as the Children In Need Rickshaw Relay heads through the borough.
This year, The Rickshaw Relay Rides Again (1×60) will see broadcaster Matt Baker and a team of five young people, all of whom have been supported by BBC Children in Need funded projects, take on a relay-style ride over five days.
Each rider will take a section of the journey, which runs between October 17 and 21, travelling through their hometowns and visiting places across the UK which hold a particular significance for them along the way.
On October 20 The Rickshaw Relay will set off from Birmingham University and will travel through Shirley, Monkspath, Dorridge past Baddesley Clinton and will finish the day in Kenilworth.
Among them includes Sanna Ahmad from Birmingham who has Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that means there is haemoglobin in her blood, which is needed to carry oxygen around the body and she needs a blood transfusion every four weeks.
Until now she has never ridden a bike but she is determined to play her part and help raise funds for the annual fundraiser headed by mascots Pudsey and Blush.
At 12 years old she was introduced to OSCAR Birmingham, a project supporting children with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia and is funded by BBC Children in Need.
Here Sanna was able to meet others like her and get the support she needed.
Now Sanna is still at OSCAR to mentor younger children, giving the same support back that she once received and she has also been inspired to train as a child nurse.
Sanna said: “The Rickshaw Relay is going to be a huge challenge for me, particularly as I’ve never ridden a bike before but it’s something that I can’t wait to take on and know that I’ll have the best support throughout the challenge from Matt Baker, and of course from all of my family and friends cheering on the roadside too.
“The money that we raise will benefit so many young people who are facing challenges in their lives, so if you are able to please donate.”
In a special twist this year, a sixth day of the challenge will be held at Silverstone with members of the public invited to come and cycle alongside the rickshaw and clock up as many miles around the world famous racing track as possible to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Matt Baker, who has ridden alongside inspirational riders on the Rickshaw Challenge for the last 12 years, said: “I am so excited to get back on the road again.
“This is the highlight of my year and I can’t wait for you to meet this group of riders who all have their own inspiring stories to tell.”
To follow the Rickshaw Relay on its journey click here.
