Young brothers cycle Sharpness Canal for hospitals in Bristol and Gloucester

Ollie and Ben Norman, aged eight and six from Hardwicke, are cycling the entire 16-mile length of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal this weekend to raise funds for extra toys for the children's hospital wards where their cousin Victor is being treated.

Brave cousin's leukaemia fight 

Victor Susan from Frampton was diagnosed with leukaemia in June aged just four and has two years of treatment left. 

Ollie and Ben's Mum Heather said: “We are all devastated that at such a young age Victor has to endure so much. 

Victor who has two years left of treatment

“At just four-years-old he has quite honestly gone through and continues to go through hell every single day to fight this horrible disease, and he still has years of fighting still to do. It's just heartbreaking.  

“The boys were struggling to come to terms with it and there were a lot of tears.

“Both approached me asking what they could do to help so we came up with the idea of raising some money via sponsorship.

“We didn't want to donate to a big charity because we wanted to directly help Victor and other children and families in the same situation.

“I have always loved cycling both the boys do to an extent but it is not their favourite hobby.

“I came up with the idea of cycling in an attempt to get them to enjoy it.” 

Brothers love cycling 

Before the family started training Ollie would cycle about five miles and Ben would cycle three at most but now both are cycling ten miles. 

Heather, Ollie and Ben Norman are cycling 16 miles with their dog five-year-old Australian Shepherd Leo

Heather admitted that she had to bribe them with sweets to keep them motivated while cycling.

So sad for Victor

Ollie, eight, said: “I want to help Victor because he is very kind and I feel super sad for him.

“I think it's sad he can't play with his friends and be a normal four-year-old.

“I enjoy cycling because I like to set goals and I feel proud when I reach them. 

“I will feel very proud when I have cycled the whole length of the canal.” 

Ben, six, said: “I wanted to help Victor because I am very sad and I like bike riding because it's fun.”

Where the money will go 

Money raised will go to the two hospitals Victor is receiving treatment at Bristol Children's Hospital at the Starlight Ward and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital at Emily Kent Unit. 

Money will go towards more entertainment like books, DVDs, play-dough, arts and crafts. 

Nurses on the Bristol ward would like some new Playmobil and Peppa Pig figurines and the family plans to buy more Brio sets for the Gloucester ward since that's Victor's favourite toy.

So far the family has raised over £700 and has had to cycle early in the morning to avoid the hot weather.

When the family goes cycling their five-year-old Australian Shepherd Leo joins them and has gone on every ride so far.

When is the ride?

The boys will cycle 16 miles on Sunday, August 21 and have raised almost £850 so far. 

How you can help

You can donate to their fundraising page here bit.ly/3SM6YIK