Four-year-old Roman cycles four miles for children’s hospice care

Four-year-old Roman Dixon from Eastbourne has set himself an inspiring goal this summer – cycling four miles in aid of children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House.

Roman’s mum, Hannah Dixon, said “Quite often we cycle to school with his brother on his bike and Roman in a seat on my bike. It is about 1.6 miles each way and Roman said he wanted to try to cycle it himself. I didn’t want to be late for school if it was too far for him, so I suggested we do it in the summer holidays so we can take our time.

“I told him I cycled a very long way once (Reading to Bath) to raise money for a charity I was working for at the time and asked if he would like to raise money for a charity too. I talked to him about several different charities in Eastbourne and he chose Chestnut Tree House ‘because the children would be happy.’ We are a Christian family, and the Bible teaches us to love others and be generous.”

The bike ride, which is scheduled for 2 August, weather-permitting, will see Roman cycle from near Lidl to the edge of North Harbour before coming back via the seafront and Lottridge Drive. His mum and his eight-year-old brother, Zane, will join him on the journey while his grandparents will meet them halfway with some energy-boosting snacks.

“He’s excited about it,” said Hannah. “He loves going on bike rides. He’s most worried about falling off and that it’s a long way if he gets tired.

“I am very proud of him. He is a very determined and creative boy with lots of ideas. He doesn’t give up and he is also very funny – he often makes us all laugh. He has a kind heart, is very loving and loves to check if people are okay if they are sad. He is friendly and even as a baby he would smile at everyone!”

When asked why he wants to raise money for charity, Roman said: “Other people can raise money for Chestnut Tree House like me!”