A SPORTING family of six from Hollywood saddled up for a charity challenge and raised nearly £2,000 for a cause close to their heart.

Susan Brice, husband Chris and their four children all completed an 11-mile bike ride around the Warwickshire countryside in aid of Leukaemia Research and Diabetes UK.

The event, held last month, was organised by the Knowle and Dorridge Lions and saw more than 200 participants either cycling of walking various courses.

A total of £15,000 is expected to be raised which will go towards research into cures and treatments for the two diseases.

The Brice family decided to take part in the challenge after their eight-year-old son Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia last year.

"When Harry was diagnosed it really brought home the importance of the cause and this was the reason we took part," said Mrs Brice, of Hazel Drive.

But Harry's treatment is going so well that he was able to take part in the bikeathon along with siblings Annabelle, 11, Vinnie, six and Fabienne, two.

Mrs Brice said they expected to raise about £2,000 once all the sponsorship money had been collected.

"We are delighted with the amount we have raised and really enjoyed taking part.

"The children really loved it," she added.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the Brice family can visit www.JustGiving.co.uk/bricefamilybikeathon