Devon schoolboy cycles 75 miles for disaster relief charity

A seven-year-old boy from North Devon desperate to help people affected by the war in Ukraine has cycled more than 75 miles to raise funds for the Cornwall-based disaster relief charity ShelterBox.  

Arthur Bix set his heart on raising money to help people who fled their homes, or had them damaged, and decided any donations would be split between ShelterBox and his primary school.  

Setting out from his home near Bideford, Arthur was supported by his Dad, Baz, on a three-day challenge that saw them cycle across Devon to his grandparent’s house in Plymstock. 

Arthur took on some big climbs, fast descents, and wet weather to complete his fundraising adventure. 

“The worst climb was where we were climbing for almost an hour, but we couldn't see the top,” says Arthur. “And then finally we saw a tree and knew that was the top, phew!” 

Documenting their journey in a special keepsake video, the pair carried their own camping and cooking equipment on the back of their bikes as they travelled across the edge of Dartmoor. 

Baz says: “Once we got underway the true scale of the challenge dawned on me, and I had real doubts that we would finish, but Arthur never once showed signs of giving up. 

“We met so many lovely, amazing people along the way who helped us and supported Arthur’s adventure. 

“He’d set his heart on getting to his grandparents and nothing was going to stop him. I am one super proud dad!” 

Three days and 78 miles after he set off on his challenge, Arthur received a very warm welcome from his grandparents who were ready to greet him with homemade banners on his arrival. 

Arthur smashed his fundraising target, raising more than £1,500 in total to be split between his two causes. 

Arthur says: “I thought ShelterBox would be the best charity to help people in Ukraine, which was my main target. I was just so happy that I got to the finish line! 

“I’m really glad that lots of people sponsored us so we could help give lifesaving aid to people in need.” 

ShelterBox is continuing to help people affected by the war in Ukraine, helping people who have had their homes damaged as well as people who have fled the country. The charity is getting ready for the next phase of its response in Ukraine, helping people to survive below freezing winter temperatures.  

It’s also supporting people who have had to flee their homes in Pakistan after deadly flash floods left more than a third of the country under water. The charity is distributing tents, water filters and carriers, mosquito nets, and solar lights to people in Sindh.    

Community Fundraising Assistant for ShelterBox, John Stanbury says: “What a huge challenge to take on. We are all incredibly humbled by Arthur’s mega fundraising effort for ShelterBox and delighted to see him complete it.  

“We rely heavily on public donations to fund our work with communities around the world. Money that supporters like Arthur and Baz raise help us support people who have had their homes damaged or destroyed by disaster or conflict.” 

 ShelterBox specialises in providing emergency shelter and other essential items to people across the globe and supports people who have lost their homes to disaster or conflict to rebuild and recover. As well as Ukraine and Pakistan, the charity is currently working to support people in Yemen, Syria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Mozambique.  

 The charity has helped more than two million people across 98 countries since it was formed in 2000. 

 To find out more about Arthur’s challenge, people can visit his fundraising page. 

For more information about ShelterBox visit shelterbox.org.