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Young Friends Cycle Paris for Charity, Win Top Award
9 Nov
Summary
- Two 12-year-old friends cycled 250 miles from London to Paris.
- They raised nearly £18,000 for the Sense charity.
- The friends were honored as Fundraiser of the Year at the Sense Awards.
Two 12-year-old friends, Iris and Esmae from Rugby, embarked on an extraordinary 250-mile cycling journey from London to Paris to raise funds for the Sense charity. This organization supports Iris' sister, who was born with a rare genetic condition affecting her sight and mobility. The challenging 10-day ride saw the pair cycle from the London Eye to Notre Dame cathedral, enduring steep hills and pouring rain, particularly across the South Downs.
Despite the arduous conditions, the friends demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, cycling with laughter and unwavering spirit. Supported by Iris' mother and other family members, they not only completed the ride but also exceeded their fundraising goal of £10,500, ultimately collecting nearly £18,000. Their efforts were celebrated at the Sense Awards 2026, where they were jointly named Fundraiser of the Year.
The charity highlighted how the girls' initiative captured the public's imagination, with significant anonymous donations contributing to their impressive total. The funds raised will aid Sense in supporting more disabled individuals with complex needs to live fulfilling lives. The girls expressed pride and joy upon receiving the award, which was revealed to them during an interview for the charity's social media channels.
