A PAIR of experienced tandem bike riders have embarked on a challenge dressed as chickens to raise money for a young boy with a rare form of cancer.

Wendy Hartwig and Mark Owen, originally from Nescliffe, set off from Weston Rhyn on Saturday morning as they take on a bike ride to and from Snowdon, with a climb up the mountain in the middle of their journey.

The duo have set a target of £1,000 to raise from the bike ride, in aid of 10-year-old Harry Banks who is set to travel to America to receive treatment for Neuroblastoma.

Harry has beaten the disease after his initial diagnosis, however after recently re-establishing the disease, he is set to go for further treatment in New York.

Friends of Harry’s family, Wendy and Mark will be taking on a second tandem bike ride challenge to raise money for the 10-year-old’s treatment.

“When Harry was initially diagnosed, we did a tandem bike ride from Chester to Manchester Children’s Hospital and raised £6,000 for the treatment,” said Wendy.

“We have decided to do something a little crazier this time to raise money, so we’re cycling on the tandem again to Snowdon, and then tomorrow we will attempt to summit Snowdon before cycling back.

“We set a target of £1,000 this time round and we’ve smashed that so all we have to do now is go on and complete the task we’ve set.

“The money raised is set to go towards his treatment in America which I think is set to go ahead in March after some pre-treatment here.”

The couple are dressed as chickens after the idea was suggested by Harry. Last tandem ride, they dressed up in festive attire for the ride between Chester and Manchester.

Wendy added: “Last time out, I was dressed as Santa on the back of the tandem while Mark was dressed as Rudolph on the front.

“He thought it would be funny if we dressed up as chickens this time so whatever he thinks is funny we’ll do for him.”

The pair understand the ride will be more difficult this time than last time and have set a target of completing it by the end of the weekend.

Wendy said: “Last time it was difficult because it was icy, the distance that time was fairly similar to this time, but this time we have a huge mountain to climb along the way, it makes it a little more difficult!

“We just want to keep going and get as much support as we can to help Harry out.

“We’re hoping to complete the task by the end of the weekend as long as the weather stays on our side like it has done today so far.

“If anyone sees us along the way, give us a wave or toot your horn!”

To donate to Wendy and Mark, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/madaboutharry