Rainbow Charlotte, aged 6, is cycling 100 miles in over the school holidays to raise money for her Rainbow unit, 1st Lingfield Rainbows. The challenge combines 2 of her favourite hobbies – bike riding and Girlguiding – in the hope of raising £500 for her unit.
Charlotte joined Rainbows on the same day she started school and has been with the unit for 2 years. In that time, she’s earned 28 badges, including her Gold award, and has had the opportunity to attend Remembrance parades, Christmas parties and the theatre. "My favourite activities are water games and building dens. I also love doing the arts and crafts like making Mother’s Day cards and plants," said Charlotte.
Ahead of starting Brownies soon, Charlotte decided she wanted to do something to say thank you and to make sure other girls get to have as much fun as she’s had, as the unit looks forward to celebrating its 30th birthday in September.
“I wanted to do this challenge because I like riding my bike," explains Charlotte. "I also wanted to raise money so the Rainbows can have fun. So far, I have raised £425 and it makes me feel really happy because I get to help the Rainbows so they can buy things like new colouring pens and stickers. Maybe the money can be spent on more bean bags or buckets, or blankets for building more tent forts.”
"We are incredibly proud of Charlotte, not only for undertaking this huge challenge but also for raising funds for the unit," said Tracey L, unit leader. "Charlotte has taken her promise to the next level by being kind and helpful to her unit and current and future Rainbows. You are a true inspiration. Thank you to everyone that has supported her on this challenge, especially her parents who have cycled alongside her for every single mile."
To clock up the miles, Charlotte has embarked on a number of bike rides so far, including cycling the Worth Way and a 12-mile cycle around Richmond Park, which has been her favourite challenge so far.
“I really enjoyed that and I want to do it again," Charlotte added. "The worst thing has been cycling up hills. But I’ve learned that even though I don’t like hills I can do them. They make me stronger and give me more energy to cycle up more hills.”
So far, Charlotte has cycled 61 miles and has even received a personal message of encouragement from English cyclist Lizzie Deignan MBE along the way.
Follow Charlotte to the finish line on her JustGiving page.
