Shropshire-born dad and daughter in 900-mile charity ride
While they say the bond between father and daughter is strong, one plucky duo are hoping it will stand the test of time as they complete a 900-mile charity trip from Land's End to John O'Groats.
Mark Ellis and his nine-year-old daughter Bethany, who he calls Boo, set off on their trip from the tip of Cornwall last Friday and they have averaged a staggering 75 miles a day .
The Wellington-born engineer, who now lives in Kenilworth near Coventry, decided it was time to take to the open road with his daughter on his trusty tandem. Back-up is provided in the form of his wife Sarah who ensures the couple are kept a ready supply of buns, warm drinks and plasters.
After a long day in the saddle the team hit Shropshire on Monday where they revisited a bike shop from Mark's childhood and received some well deserved pampering from family members overnight before pushing on to Manchester on Tuesday.
They are raising money for Zoe's Place baby Charity, which offers palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged from birth to five years old suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and have so far reached £1500.
The 39-year-old who now works for Johnson Mathy in Coventry, was born and bred in Telford and attended the Blessed Robert Johnson School.
His father Bob, a retired teacher from the Blessed Robert Johnson, said: "I am really proud of them both. They are hoping to complete the trip in 13 days which will be fantastic."
On their mydonate page Bethany, who is home schooled, said: "Daddy and I are riding from Land's End to John O'Groats on our tandem called Double Trouble. Whilst we are in Scotland it is Daddy's 40th birthday so making him work on the hills is my special present to him."
Mark said: "The trip has been going surprisingly well. Boo and I have been out cycling a lot on the tandem and the prospect of my 40th birthday really sort of gave me the impetus to do the journey.
"I do sometimes have a voice behind me asking 'are we there yet?' or complaining that her bottom hurts but she has been doing brilliantly.
"The first couple of days through Cornwall were tough as it was so hilly but then it levelled out and we have found it easier.
"Cycling over the Severn Bridge was an amazing experience and one which I hope will stay with Boo for the rest of her life. She is learning so much on this trip, such as geography and maths. far more than she would learn in a classroom in two weeks.
For more information about the trip go to http://travailsonatandemwithboo.wordpress.com/
