Girl, 6, takes on cycle challenge for best friend

A six-year-old girl is planning to cycle six miles to support her best friend, who is living with a rare genetic condition.

Jessica, from Larkfield in Kent, is hoping to raise £2,000 to help her friend Sid's family pay for adaptations that would make their home more accessible for his limited mobility and muscle strength.

Jessica's mother, Catherine, said her daughter had been inspired by another of Sid's friends, who raised more than £3,600 through a scooter challenge.

"We're really keen to help them get the house adaptations they so desperately need and every little helps," Catherine said.

Five-year-old Sid from Yalding was diagnosed with the rare condition spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) as a baby and has since undergone gene therapy treatment.

The condition causes muscle weakness and gets worse over time without treatment, according to the NHS.

SMA came to greater public attention recently after former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson announced her daughters had the condition.

Catherine said Jessica loved cycling and had an "amazing" response" to the challenge, planned for 3 October, already.

"We used to live opposite Sid and have known him and his family since he was very young," she said.

"Even though we have moved to Larkfield now, we are still close and Sid is Jessica's best friend. They are such a sweet pair."

Sid's parents said they wanted to install a through-floor lift, which would require an extension, with an accessible bedroom and bathroom.

The family said they were quoted £120,000 for the building work and £18,000 for the lift itself.

The charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for healthcare services and treatment for children, is supporting the family.

According to Sid's mother Sophie, carrying him around the house had "become dangerous, particularly going up and down stairs".

She said both she and Sid's father had experienced slipped discs, and every day that went by was "more of a risk".

She added: "We are so grateful to little Jessica for taking on this challenge for us - it is so thoughtful of her."

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