Charlie’s ride to thank people who helped his brother

The cycle ride is the latest challenge for the nine-year-old, who has become known for his tendency to think outside the box.

He hit national headlines in 2010 after we reported how he wrote to the Queen asking for improved facilities in the play area at the Royal Estate in Sandringham.

Now Charlie and his dad James Page, 33, will attempt to cycle from their home at Mervyn King Close, Fakenham to Pinewoods Holiday Park in Wells on Sunday.

They hope to raise up to £500 for the children's ward of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, where Charlie's brother Max, aged two, spent his first Christmas.

Max was treated for a lung condition called bronchiolitis when he was 12 weeks old, which he has recovered from.

Mr Page said of Charlie, who also has a seven-year-old brother called Finlay: 'This cycle ride was entirely Charlie's idea.

'He's always coming up with ideas and wanting to get things done – he'll be a good politician one day.

'He came up with the idea of writing to the Queen out of the blue.

'He got a reply from Buckingham Palace and the play area facilities at Sandringham were improved so it just shows what can be done.

'Being the oldest brother Charlie feels he needs to look after the other two and we're really proud of him for doing this.'

He added: 'The hospital did a fantastic job with Max and they gave Christmas presents to all three of the boys which was a really nice thing for them to do.'

Charlie's mother Hannah will be driving along with Max and Finlay to provide support and encouragement on Sunday. Charlie, a pupil at Fakenham Junior School, said: 'I heard at school about things people can do to help charities and I want to do something for the people who helped my brother Max when he was ill.'

Anyone who wants to sponsor Charlie can do so by calling his parents on 01328 864890 or by going to Des Cooper Haircutters, Cattle Market Street, Fakenham.