A schoolboy has spent the summer gearing up for a major fundraising challenge to help his brothers who are battling a rare neurological condition.
Arthur Dodkin, 12, the middle son of Wisbech couple Ben and Sarah Dodkin, has spent hours and hours completing cycle rides as he trains for his marathon ride next weekend, September 6 and 7, to raise money for Pedal4Memories and for the Batten Disease Family Association.
The Thomas Clarkson Academy pupil is preparing to cycle from Rotherham to his home in Wisbech, a distance of around 100 miles, and has been helped in his training by his proud dad, Ben.
Both Arthur's older brother Finley, 14, and younger brother Harrison, 10, have been diagnosed with CLN3 Juvenile Batten Disease.
The disease will also mean the boys will not only develop complex epilepsy, mobility, and speech issues, but will also be taken from their family far too soon.
This doesn’t stop the boys from having a fantastic sense of adventure and zest for life.
The family has tirelessly fundraised for the BDFA, and has raised awareness of Batten Disease, since the boys' diagnosis in 2017, when they also launched the Pedal4Memories charity.
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Last August, the family launched the Arthur's Gift initiative, which sees gifts sent out to children who, like Arthur, have siblings with Batten Disease.
The first of these gifts was sent to a child in Rotherham, which is why Arthur has chosen the Yorkshire town as the starting point for his ride.
Arthur said: "From babies to now, my brothers and I have always been really close, and I would do anything to keep them safe, help them have loads of fun, and make sure they know they are really loved.
"I have watched our family and friends raise money by doing challenges to raise awareness of the BDFA and to give us boys some amazing adventures and memories.
"So now I think it’s my turn!
"I want to raise awareness of Batten Disease and raise money to help the charity and to support my initiative, Arthur’s Gift.
"I am going to bike from Rotherham and the home where my very first Arthur’s Gift was sent back in January 2024.
"I sent a gift to an amazing sibling, as her brother and sister both have CLN3 just like my brothers, Finley and Harrison.
"I will complete my bike ride from Rotherham to our home in Wisbech over two days.
I really hope as many of you can join me and support me on my ride because I know it’s going to be tough.
"Being a brother to Finley and Harrison is a lot of fun. We go on great adventures, dance and sing a lot at home and in the car, and spend lots of time together.
"I try to always help them do things they want to do and describe things to them, like presents or places, TV or Nintendo games. And I try to help them be as independent and as safe as they can be.
"They are my brothers, and I am very proud of them. I like being their best friend and knowing that I am helping them to be really happy.
"Thank you for always supporting everything we do with fundraising and events. It really means a lot to me."
Arthur has a JustGiving page, with a target of £1,000, and he has already reached £800, but he is hoping to hit the full amount with his efforts next weekend.
His mum, Sarah, said: "He has been busy training all through the school holidays, and completed a 50 mile ride on Sunday in preparation.
"He is determined to finish the ride. His dad will be riding alongside him, and I'm providing back-up support and of lots of snacks to keep them going.
"Arthur is thrilled that he has raised £800 already, he says that it works out at 40 gifts for his initiative - of course the money is being split three-ways - but it was nice for him to think that.
"He has now posted out 49 gifts to siblings like him, the 49th went out today - so we are very proud of him."
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