A PROLIFIC cyclist is jumping on his bike saddle to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

Callum Hermiston will be doing a 200-mile round trip as part of a team of six riders across Northumberland on September 2 and 3 to raise funds to buy a Peppa Pig-themed wheelchair for his two-year-old niece Elise Bancks, of Buttercup Close, Atherton, who has cerebral palsy.

The funds raised will also used to be a car seat to make it easier for her to travel around.

Callum, 26, who expects the two-day journey to take around 12 hours in total to complete, has already raised sponsorship money of £1,100 from his £2,000 target only one week after announcing he was going to do the challenge.

He said: “When I first planned the event I just wanted to raise enough money to help my niece and the response has been great.

"As a family, we are so grateful.

“You never think something like this will ever happen to one of your own but when it does it really puts everything into perspective.

“It has made our family stronger and I will put all my effort into raising as much money and awareness for my niece and other children and their families who need support.”

If Callum succeeds in achieving his fundraising target, the remaining money will be donated to disability charity Scope, which has provided support to Elise and her family.

He has clocked up 3,000 miles on the road this year and completed a two-day 260-mile journey in Cumbria in June.

Elise’s mum Christie, who is Callum’s brother, has set up a Justgiving page for people to make donations in support of the challenge.

Christie, 28, said: “We would love to get Elise a brand new wheelchair to give her more independence.

“She is such a clever, happy and determined girl who is always smiling and loves to sing.”

To donate to Christie’s page, visit bit.ly/2uwVlcZ.