Teenager set to cycle 500km for MS charity

Bella Ellis is hoping to complete the route from her home in Huddersfield to Salcombe in Devon – where her family has a holiday home – in six days over her school half term.

The 16-year-old wants to raise money for research into MS in memory of her grandfather, who died in April.

John Radcliffe had multiple sclerosis for 30 years. Bella watched him deteriorate and helped to nurse him. She wants all the money she raises to go towards funding research into finding a cure.

Her initial fundraising target was £5,000 but she has already reached £7,000, with another pledge of £5,000.

“I have been totally overcome by the support I have received from family and friends and even total strangers, many of whom have been personally touched by MS or someone close to them.  

“It makes me even more determined to complete my epic journey as a solo cyclist and when my legs ache and my back throbs I will think how lucky I am to be able bodied and fit enough to complete my goal, as each day living with MS can be as epic a challenge. I hope to retain my humour as my grandpa did throughout his battle with MS and I am sure he will be watching me closely, slightly bemused by my madness.”

Bella will set off at 10am on Wednesday October 17 from the Golden Cock Pub in Farnley Tyas, Huddersfield. Go to www.justgiving.com/Isobel-Grace-Ellis