Olivia Ruston set off from Churchtown Primary School in Southport as she took part in the 2021 BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. Photo by Churchtown Primary School

Churchtown Primary School pupils and staff gave former student Olivia Ruston a huge send off this morning, as she set off on her BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. 

Olivia, aged 17, was one of just five people in the UK chosen to take part in this year’s epic fundraiser. 

She pedalled all the way from Southport to Clatterbridge Hospital in Bebington, Wirral, in her bright yellow rickshaw. 

She was given a rousing send-off from Churchtown Primary School and was waved off by Children In Need mascot Pudsey Bear. 

As Olivia pedalled away, she was accompanied by BBC TV presenter Matt Baker and a police escort. 

Churchtown Primary School Assistant Headteacher Mrs Healy said: “Today, Churchtown Primary School had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge to our school, to start former pupil, Olivia Ruston, off on her 30-mile journey.

“It was a very exciting start to the day with the BBC and Olivia arriving around 8.30am to set up ready for their 9.30am set-off time.

Olivia Ruston set off from Churchtown Primary School in Southport as she took part in the 2021 BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. Photo by Churchtown Primary School

Olivia Ruston set off from Churchtown Primary School in Southport as she took part in the 2021 BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. Photo by Churchtown Primary School

“We are extremely proud of Olivia and it was amazing that she selected Churchtown Primary School to be part of her journey.”

Olivia, who has been a carer for her younger sister, Jess, for many years, wanted to start her challenge at Churchtown Primary School because of the young carers group which she helped to set up there. 

Proud big sister Olivia, a talented student at the Rare School of Fashion and Art in Liverpool, has dedicated herself to caring for her younger sister, Jess, aged 15. 

Jess, a pupil at Merefield School in Southport, was born with a rare overgrowth disorder and a unique chromosome abnormality. 

Mrs Healy said: “Our Young Carers and CHUGGS Group were accompanied by other pupils from across the school in cheering loudly for Olivia and the team from the BBC.

“Chants of ‘Olivia, Olivia,’ rang out down Sunny Road and throughout Churchtown Village.

Olivia Ruston set off from Churchtown Primary School in Southport as she took part in the 2021 BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. Photo by Churchtown Primary School

Olivia Ruston set off from Churchtown Primary School in Southport as she took part in the 2021 BBC Children In Need Rickshaw Challenge. Photo by Churchtown Primary School

“It was also wonderful to see other former Young Carers and CHUGGS (Yazmin and Joe) there to support Olivia too.

“Matt Baker was as smiley as ever, warming the crowds up and giving so much encouragement for the support we were giving to Olivia.

“All of the children were thrilled and amazed to see Pudsey Bear who spent time high fiving the pupils.

“What a memorable day and magical experience we all had, pupils and staff alike, helping Olivia to start her special day.

“Olivia really is a remarkable young lady, who we are all extremely proud of.” 

Olivia’s Mum, Alison Ruston, said: “Today has been amazing! Olivia has flown all day, there have been no problems at all.

“The support has been incredible and we are so grateful to Southport for coming out to support.” 

The Rickshaw Challenge began in Bristol on Monday before heading to Manchester on Tuesday and Southport on Wednesday. 

This Thursday the challenge will travel to Ulverston, Cumbria, before finishing in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Friday. 

You can watch how Olivia and the other riders get on in a special one-hour TV documentary, where the BBC will not only share the team’s remarkable stories but also celebrate the history of this much-loved BBC Children in Need staple, while at the same time raising money to help change young lives.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Olivia has dedicated much of her young life to helping to support her younger sister Jess, who was born with a rare life-limiting chromosomal disorder.

“Olivia and Jess are incredibly close and she has devoted much of her time to her beloved sister. 

“Both Olivia and her family are grateful for the support they continue to receive from the BBC Children in Need funded project, Claire House Hospice where both Jess and her family receive respite from her devastating condition.

“This vital project is funded to deliver a Play Therapist and Team Leader role for a sibling support group to give children and young people such as Olivia the support they need to cope with the emotional difficulties of having a sibling with a life-limiting illness.

“Olivia is a promising fashion student and is hoping to study Fashion Design.  

“She is also an active fundraiser having raised money for Claire House by selling the face masks she made during lockdown.” 

Her younger sister, Jess, has Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which is a growth disorder that causes large body size, large organs, and other symptoms. 

Jess was first diagnosed with the condition when she developed an abnormally large tongue, which can interfere with breathing, swallowing, and speaking. She also has a unique chromosome abnormality making her condition completely unique. 

Throughout the challenge Matt Baker, the young people and the entire crew will be following strict Covid-19 guidelines in order to keep everyone involved in the production safe. 

You can donate to the BBC Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge here: donate.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/rickshaw

Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com 

4 Comments
  1. 온라인슬롯 4 months ago

    그는 즉시 말했습니다.
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