Gymnast Molly cycles 60 miles to raise funds for her club

Molly cycled over 60 miles in five days

A young girl from Heywood has raised over £500 for her gymnastics club by cycling over 60 miles.

Molly Griffiths, 12, completed the challenge between 26 May and 30 May, raising an impressive £562 for the Heywood Sparks Gymnastics Academy, which is based at Roeacre Business Park.

The funds were transferred to the centre’s coaches on Tuesday (9 June).

Molly has been a member of Sparks for three years and has been involved in the sport since she was just four years old. She is in the top group and has been training at home during the pandemic lockdown.

The young gymnast wanted to help raise some money to keep the club running when it reopens after lockdown rules are listed. Originally, she raised £60 by asking family and decided to cycle 50 miles with her dad.

After contacting coaches Steve and Alex Halliwell at Sparks, who gathered further support for the initiative, Molly ended up raising over £500 more than she first thought, and went on to cycle just over 61 miles.

Her mum Louise said: “Molly had such a fab idea and we’re all really pleased she raised so much for her club. She can’t wait to get back to training.”

Coach Alex said: “We think what Molly has done is a fantastic achievement. The money she has raised will be of great benefit to our efforts to keep Sparks open for all our gymnasts when we are able to return. It’s been a very difficult time for all sports clubs, and members like Molly are invaluable.”