A GROUP of fundraisers got on their bikes in Tesco, Haverfordwest, last week to raise money for charities and organisations that support Wolfscastle youngster, Belle Curran.

Nine-year-old Belle is on the waiting list for a lung transplant, having been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease at the age of two. This is a rare condition which means that Belle’s lungs, rather than being spongy, are stiff, hard and scarred making breathing a huge effort.

She relies on a wheelchair to get about and is on permanent oxygen. She also has to take a combination of steroids, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-acid, vitamin D, and various inhalers.

Last year Haverfordwest Ladies Circle, of which Belle’s mum Stella is a member, raised money to help Belle’s family install a hydrotherapy pool and buy a laptop to help with home schooling.

This year they are raising funds for the charities and organisation that have supported Belle, including Withybush’s Puffin Ward, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital, Ty Hafan, Great Ormond Street and the Make a Wish Foundation.

They also want to raise awareness of organ donation and encourage people to register as donors and talk to their loved ones about it.

The ladies circle is hoping to raise £5,000 which will be split among the charities. To do this members are taking part in Belles tri-challenge; three sporting events; the first one being the Velothon Wales on July 8th. After this they will take on the Cardiff Half Marathon in October and an abseil down Pembroke Castle.

The group will also enter a float in Haverfordwest carnival.

The Tesco bike ride on June 8 raised an amazing £486. The circle will be there again from 11-2.30pm on June 22.

“We all want to do our bit to raise the importance of organ donation in the hope that Belle will receive the life changing operation she really needs,” said circle chair Mandy Stirling.

“To be able to further support the family by helping them give back to all the amazing charities and causes that have already helped them and continue to provide all sorts of fabulous care and support for Belle and the family would be fantastic.

“So many children across Wales will benefit from any funds we raise.”