THE loss of a family member has prompted young fundraiser Phoenix Kitcher-Paige to turn pedal power into pounds.

The six-year-old’s mum Ruth says his decision to embark on a sponsored cycle ride for Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa came following the loss of her grandfather last year.

“Whilst me and my kids have always had an open dialogue about death and dying, this really brought things home and all of my children felt the loss and sadness that a death brings,” she said.

Through Ruth’s work as an antenatal teacher and doula the family, which lives in East Morton, was already aware of the fragility of life and the impact that has on families and the community.

She added: “Just before Christmas, Phoenix came to me – totally unprompted – and said he wanted to do something to raise money to help people.

“I said OK, what would he like to do and who would he like to help? After his first idea of flossing for 24 hours was reflected on and rejected, he then said he wanted to do a sponsored bike ride.”

Ruth says Phoenix’s intention is to raise the money to give children who are ill a “nice surprise” or “something to make them happy”.

Phoenix is now in training for his 19-mile cycle ride, from his home to Leeds Railway Station, on June 2 – his seventh birthday. Phoenix hopes to raise as much money as he can for Martin House.

“This is the gift he is giving – he is giving his birthday date to do this special thing,” says Ruth.

Phoenix has already had support through an online fundraising page and he is hoping to top his £1,000 target.

His nine-year-old sister, Evangeline, has taken sponsor forms into school and his other siblings, Brandon, ten, and two-year-old Skylar are also supporting him on his fundraising mission – along with his parents, who will be cycling by his side.

Ruth says she is also hoping that Phoenix’s favourite singer, George Ezra, will send a message of support.

For more about Phoenix’s sponsored cycle ride, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Phoenix Kitcher-Paige.

Chris Verney, Martin House regional fundraiser for this district, says: “It’s incredible to see children raising money for other children.

“Phoenix has shown an amazing level of enterprise in coming up with his fundraising event, and we can’t wait to see how he gets on.

“We’d like to give him and other young fundraisers a huge ‘thank you’ on behalf of everyone at Martin House for helping us to care for children and young people and their families.”