A TEENAGE girl with cerebral palsy from Bournemouth has committed to cycle 500 miles for charity in memory of her father who died last year. 

Ellie-Mae Harrison, 18, and her mum Kayleigh Harrison have agreed to cycle 500 miles for their father and husband Antony Lee Smith, who passed away in 2023 aged 48. 

He would have turned 50 this year and the duo hope to cycle in memory of him while raising funds and awareness for charity Safe Families. 

Kayleigh said: "Myself and Antony have been through some of the toughest times. This is my way of giving something back for what we've gained from Safe Families. You know we've gained more than just support from it. We have gained family members from it.

"Antony would have been 50 this year and I wanted to do something that celebrated his memory, but also included the kids in some way shape or form. We started it at the beginning of February because we had to take into consideration how Ellie-Mae's disability affects her every day. Our cut-off date is Ant’s birthday, which is the 24th of April.”

Completing 20 days and 200 miles so far, Ellie-Mae hadn't stepped on a bike before she committed to the challenge. 

Limited by cerebral palsy, a disability that impairs muscle coordination, the pair have had to coordinate the event for when best works for her. 

Ellie Mae said: "I want to be able to be able to give back and obviously it's been a big bucket list thing for me to go and ride a bike.

I can do it, it's like with some of the hills on the route, I'm pushing myself every day to get up there because I want to prove to myself I can do it." 

Kayleigh and Ellie-Mae chose Safe Families after the help the charity has offered them. 

The charity offers support to families who need and has done so for Ellie-Mae and her siblings during difficult periods. 

Kayleigh and Ellie-Mae hope to raise awareness for the great work the charity do and hope to raise £500.

For more information and to donate, visit their JustGiving page.