A brave three-year-old girl has taken on an 82-mile cycle challenge in support of the charity that helped her parents during her hospitalisation.

The little girl from Ceredigion, West Wales, is cycling the equivalent distance between Swansea and Bristol to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

The charity supported her parents when she underwent open-heart surgery when she was just a few months old.

Tivyside Advertiser: Plucky Pixie Roberts, three, of Llanarth near Aberaeron, is taking on the 82.2-mile challenge on

The girl's parents explained that although they were prepared for their daughter's surgery, the situation took a turn for the worst just days before the scheduled operation.

Her father, a self-employed roofer, said: "Our precious girl was born with a form of congenital heart disease called Tetralogy of Fallot.

"We always knew she'd need surgery at around six months old, and that operation was scheduled for 6 April 2021.

Tivyside Advertiser: Plucky Pixie Roberts, three, of Llanarth near Aberaeron, is taking on the 82.2-mile challenge on

"But on 1 April, she took a bad turn during her pre-op assessment at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

"Suddenly, the emergency buzzer was pressed, and the room filled with medics.

"We thought we were going to lose her."

Her mother, Sam, who works at the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth, thanked the charity for their support.

She said: "Without them, we don’t know what we would have done.

"What they do for families who find themselves in situations like ours, is invaluable."

Pixie’s parent originally thought of the cycle fundraiser, but she was eager to help.

Tivyside Advertiser: Pixie’s dad Rhydian and mum, Sam

Her dad said: "Despite Pixie not owning a bicycle, other than a balance bike, we thought it was a fantastic idea for her to cycle the equivalent mileage from Singleton Hospital, where she was born, to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, where she had her surgery.

"So, we took her to a local bike shop and she’s now chipping away at her challenge around the cycle routes of Ceredigion, all while learning to ride a bike at the same time."

Supporting from home, the little girl's community have rallied to support her fundraising efforts.

Among those touched by her story is Olympic cycling hopeful, Josh Tarling, who attended school with Pixie's half-brother.

To date, The Ronald McDonald House Charities have a total of 14 houses across England, Wales and Scotland.

The charity provides 'home-away-from-home' accommodation and support for families with children in hospital.

Ericka Heron, Community Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, said: "We are all completely balled over by Pixie’s amazing challenge and are right behind her.

"We are all completely balled over by Pixie’s amazing challenge and are right behind her.

"For her to go through major surgery as a baby and go on to become the heroic young girl she is, is just incredible."

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/rhydian-roberts-1709242970701.