Siblings Take 30k Viking Challenge By the Horns

A young brother and sister duo from Northfield who took a 30km off-road cycling challenge by the horns have raised over £250 for us, as thanks for the care they each received at our hospital as toddlers.

Thirteen-year-old Isaac Fisher and his sister, Anna, who is ten, took on the Viking Challenge, and cycled 30km over rough terrain, through the Vale of Belvoir in the East Midlands. Having both experienced overnight stays at our hospital when they were younger, Isaac and Anna wanted to give back to the doctors and nurses who looked after them but they were further inspired by their dad, Steve’s, fundraising for us.

Steve is part of a group of fundraisers affectionately known as the ‘Bonkers Bikers’, who recently raised over £15,000 for our hospital and charity by completing a 240-mile cycle ride from London to Brussels. Isaac and Anna followed their dad’s progress on the challenge with awe and decided they wanted to take on their own challenge to help our patients.

Isaac, who spent a night at our hospital with breathing problems as a toddler, and Anna, who was admitted with infected chicken pox, made cycling their hobby as soon as they could ride but neither of them had ever ridden as long a distance as the Viking Challenge before. Nevertheless, they saddled up, alongside Steve, their mum Steph and grandfather Chris, to tackle the 30km distance to earn sponsorship from their friends and family.

Isaac raced ahead with Steve finishing the course in 2 hours 34 minutes, while Anna kept a steadier pace, finishing an hour later, crossing the line with Steph. A highlight for Isaac and Anna was the food – including pork pies at the last refreshment stop and a reward of hot soup and cake at the finish.

Steve said: “I’m so proud of Isaac and Anna for completing the challenge – it wasn’t easy and it was extremely muddy but they were so determined to finish and raise as much as they could for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. They don’t really remember the time they spent at the hospital but they understand how important its work is and wanted to do their bit to give back.

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It sounds like cycling has always been a family affair for the Fishers but now fundraising is too! We’re so grateful to Isaac and Anna for choosing to support our charity, and their wonderful £255 donation will go towards helping us do more for the sick kids in our hospital’s care.’