TWO sisters – aged seven and nine – put their pedals to the metal for a good cause – raising more than £1,000 in memory of a beloved auntie.

Macy and Pippa Hannington rode their bikes 40 miles in one day to raise £1,026 for the Forest Holme Hospice Charity in Poole.

The pair set themselves the fundraising challenge in memory of their auntie Becky Frizzell, who passed away in January 2023.

Becky was cared for at Forest Holme Hospice, as was her husband before her, who also died from cancer.

The hospice provides specialist end-of-life care to patients across Poole, Wimborne and the Purbecks.

Before the sisters had even put a foot on a pedal, they managed to smash their target of £500 by more than £100 by holding a bake and sunflower sale outside their house.

The girls’ father, Mark, said: “Although the girls had trained for this challenge, none of their previous rides had come close to 40 miles.

“They knew they had a serious undertaking ahead of them.”

Claire Cooper and Kirsty Perks from Forest Holme Hospice Charity present sisters Macy and Pippa with thank you certificates

The sisters set off on the morning of their ride, chaperoned by their mum Yasmin and stepdad Tony.

By the time the girls reached Ringwood they were getting sore, but fuelled by snacks and sisterly encouragement, powered on.

Mark said: “Pippa was full of energy and encouragement for her big sister, and really lifted the mood of her teammate.

“Macy dug deep to find the courage to continue and by the time the team were reunited in Wimborne, everyone was in good spirits.”

READ MORE: Hospice charity to host Christmas remembrance events
READ MORE: Blooming marvellous accolades for Poole hospice charity
READ MORE: Hospice charity video to raise funds and awareness

The sisterly team made it home via the scenic route of Poole Harbour, worn out but thrilled to learn they had raised more than £1,000.

“The girls have done a tremendous task of keeping their Brownie’s promise to ‘serve the King and my community’ and ‘to help other people’,” Mark added.

Claire Cooper, fundraiser at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “What an incredible achievement. The sisters may be small, but they are mighty indeed, and it shows what can be done with grit and determination.

“We can’t thank them enough for their efforts to help our hospice team.”

The charity is tasked with raising £1 million each year to help the hospice team deliver the highest level of care for its patients.