A trike-riding eight-year-old had a grand success in more ways than one in tackling another fundraising challenge.

Last year, Jessica Weaver from Little Neston completed an 11-mile bike ride to raise money for a charity close to her heart.

She rode from Hadlow Road station in Willaston to West Kirby to raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity after her baby sister, Georgie, died at the hospital on the same day 12 months previously, aged just five days old.

This year Jessica, who outside of school enjoys cheerleading with the Neston Falcons, zumba, singing and dancing, set out to embark on her second annual trike ride for the hospital in memory of Georgie.

Jessica’s mum, community nurse Emma Weaver, 34, who works in Ellesmere Port, said: “We want to raise money for this fantastic charity in Georgie’s name to help other families.

“Fundraising has really helped our little family during the most devastating time.”

Jessica Weaver, eight, from Little Neston who brought in another £1,000 plus from a fundraising trike ride for Alder Hey children's hospital
Jessica at the station

Jessica set off from the station and turned round and headed back to Hadlow Road once the platform at Thurstaston was reached.

The trike ride ‘was a brilliant success’, raising more than £1,050 with more sponsorship still to be paid in.

Georgie had been born without a windpipe and had no chance of survival but Emma and husband Leigh, 35, a senior parts adviser at Ellesmere Port Scania, said they were ‘blessed to have five days in the intensive treatment unit to make memories’.

“We cannot thank the staff at Alder Hey enough for the care, devotion and support,” said Emma.

Jessica’s mum added: “It was a roasting hot day and the heat got to Jess at times but she ploughed on regardless like the trooper she is.

“Friends and family turned out along the way to cheer us on and lots of people actually took part and completed the 15.8 miles. The oldest participant was 69 and the youngest just three though she was on a bike seat and slept along the way. We all had a fantastic day and set off balloons at the end.”