Samuel Smith, who is a pupil at Wellington School, has entered the record books by becoming the youngest person ever to complete the gruelling cycle ride from London to Paris. A keen cyclist and rugby player, the ride was to raise money for the charity that supports his younger disabled brother. Sebastian, 9, has a rare genetic condition – Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, which results in severe learning difficulties and other associated disabilities.
“It was the most amazing adventure. I did the ride with my dad, and my mum and two younger brothers were the back-up team. We cycled from London to Newhaven, then Dieppe to Paris through some of the most wonderful countryside. It was hard, but such fun and we cycled the 160 miles in three days” said Samuel. “We have raised over £2000 for an excellent cause. Sebastian is adorable and this will raise awareness of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome”.
“This was third time lucky for us”, said Samuel. “We were going to do it in the Easter holidays and my Grandma died the day before we were going, so we re-booked for half term. Then, I came off my bike the day before on a training ride and broke my wrist. I was determined to complete it this time, there were some awesome hills but the feeling of triumph at the Eiffel Tower was immense!” concluded Samuel.
Samuel can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/samuelparisride