Sports 03 August 2020

Cheering for Ché at Grangemouth Stadium

4 year old Ché Hanlon from Polmont has been on his bike throughout July raising money to support local foodbanks. His cycle culminated with a lap of Grangemouth Stadium on Friday 31st July with his family and friends cheering him on and watching as he handed over a cheque to Trussell Trust Foodbank.

The idea for the charity cycle came at dinner one evening, according to Dad Liam.  “Ché as always was doing more talking than eating. His dinner went cold and he didn't want to eat it, I’m sure all parents can relate to this. His Mum explained to him that because schools were closed during the lockdown lots of children would go without school meals and many families depend on these. Knowing that some children could go hungry made him sad and he offered the pennies in his piggy bank to buy them food. He asked how he could help and we came up with the idea of a charity cycle.”

Ever a keen cyclist, Ché initially planned to cycle 100 miles but due to the great support he received, he’s upped that to 200 miles and has raised nearly £2,000 to date, cycling in all sorts of weather.  Dad Liam said “He has cycled through some horrendous weather in the last couple of months with training and clocking up his miles etc.  He never complains though.  Sometimes we forget he is only 4 years old.” 

Liam approached the Trust to ask if Ché could complete his final lap at Grangemouth Stadium, and we were delighted to get involved. 

Sport and Recreation Manager, Paul Finnie said “We were all impressed by Ché’s achievement, made all the more remarkable by the fact that he’s only 4 years old.  It just goes to show what you can do when you set your mind to it.  I’m sure we’ll see him in the Tour de France in years to come!  Congratulations to Ché and his family.”