Getting on our bikes for nana

ON their bikes: Holly Taylor (left) and Katie Bissett with grandmother Maureen Oxley

KIND-HEARTED young cousins are gearing up for a 13-mile cycle challenge in aid of a cause close to their family’s hearts.

Katie Bissett and Holly Taylor, both nine, are looking forward to the Greater Manchester Cycle, a sponsored bike ride through the city centre on Sunday. They have been training and raising money for their chosen charity, Parkinson’s UK.

The St Mary’s CE High Crompton Primary School pupils picked the charity after their grandmother, Maureen Oxley (64), was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago.

Suzanne Bissett (37), Katie’s mum and Holly’s Aunt, said: “They’ve seen how my mum has has deteriorated over the years because of Parkinson’s. Before they didn’t know what was causing it or why she struggled with some things so they’ve also spent a lot of time researching and learning more about it.

“I think it shocked them to find out how Parkinson’s can affect people in such a significant way and made them even more determined to do something.”

The girls have already raised over £1,000 for the charity, smashing their original target of £150, and will be accompanied on the ride by Katie’s dad Mark (41), who will also be taking part in the gruelling 50-mile course earlier in the day.

It will be the second time Katie and Holly have taken part in the event, after raising £580 to help children diagnosed with cancer last year.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/katiebissett.

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