Hartlebury mum's cycle challenge for 'superstar' boy

Rupert Caple, aged 8, has had to endure four major open-heart operations in his life, receiving the treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital. 

His mum Ellie Caple, aged 43, has said that without surgical intervention he wouldn't have survived as a newborn.

She said: "To see Rupert now you wouldn't realise he has anything wrong, but he already endured 4 big open-heart operations in his short life and now is the proud owner of a human donor heart value.

"Fortunately he is currently stable and is an active happy little boy just getting on with life. 

"We know that his future will involve more surgical challenges but for now we are just extremely grateful for the care and support BCH have provided to let him live his best life - which he does to the full.

"Without their skill, dedication and care Rupert would not be here. 

"They will always be heroes to us and although we can never come close to showing them how grateful we are every so often we try by doing some fundraising in the hope we can help another child have a happy outcome".

Ellie and Rupert Caple

Now, to show her appreciation for the hospital's life-saving work, she has challenged herself to cycle 150 miles. 

On Saturday, July 9, she will be riding from Seascale to Whitby over the high Lake district passes, the Yorkshire dales and finally the North York Moors.

She has already raised well over £1,000 on her JustGiving page. 

Ellie added: "If things go well I anticipate it should take me about 12 hours of peddling.

"I have been in training since January for this and completed just over 1500 miles so far this year however my longest ride on a bike remains 100 miles.

"This will be a tough challenge, but I will fight and dig in just like my superstar little boy has done repeatedly. 

"He is my inspiration and the reason I will pedal on until I finish or fall off trying".