Louise Carrington and Colman Cotter, who are riding from John O'Groats to the Isle of Wight for the charity Layla's Trust.
THE FATHER of a baby girl who tragically died last year after being born with a rare disease is set to undertake a marathon 800-mile charity bike ride from John O’Groats to the Isle of Wight.
Baby Layla Mae Cotter died in February 2011 aged just 70 days old. She was born with a very rare condition called Gaucher Disease Type Two and spent most of her short life at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport.
Now, her dad Colman Cotter, 35, of Bellevue Road, Cowes, and family friend Louise Carrington, of Pelham Road, Cowes are teaming-up to begin the gruelling ride this Sunday at the tip of Scotland, cycling up to 70 miles a day before returning to the Isle of Wight in two week’s time.
The pair will be accompanied in a support vehicle driven by Layla Mae’s mum, Emma Perry, 29, and aim to finish their ride at the Isle of Wight Rugby Club, Wootton on Saturday, September 15.
Colman also plans to take part in a rugby match when the Isle of Wight Rugby Club team takes on the Market House Pirates as soon as he gets off his bike.
Cash raised from the ride will go towards Layla’s Trust which aims to eventually build Layla’s Lodge — a retreat on the Island for families with terminally ill or severely disabled children.
Supporters can follow the duo’s progress online with regular blogs on the Layla’s Trust website at www.laylas-trust.org as well as updates on Facebook and Twitter. Donations and sponsorship can also be given online at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/bigbikehike
Emma said: "Since we launched the charity back in April this year, we have been overwhelmed by the positive messages and support given to us by friends, family and complete strangers.
"It’s wonderful that so many people want to help us raise money to support other families who are going through what we went through and this cycle ride is hopefully the start of many exciting fundraising activities that Layla’s Trust will be involved in."