FATHER and daughter team Ian and Charlie Nash have recently embarked on a charity cycle ride, raising money in support of "little miracle" Riley Nash, James Edginton writes.

The cycling duo completed a sponsored 11-mile bike ride, raising an incredible £1,250 for Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice.

The vital work of the hospice has been experienced first-hand by the Nash family, from Nailsea, through the care that they have provided for Riley.

Riley’s sister, Charlie, who is a keen mountain bike trail rider, said: “I wanted to do something for the hospice because of what they do for us as a family and other families.”

Riley truly is a ‘miracle’ for parents Ian and Debs who were told in 2013, early into the pregnancy, that Debs had miscarried following an emergency operation.

However, just days after thinking that their dreams of a brother or sister for Charlie had been shattered, the couple were told that Debs had been expecting twins and that one – Riley – had miraculously survived.

Ian said: “It was mind-blowing to find out that Debs had been pregnant with twins and that our Riley had survived.”

But, sadly, there were more challenges to come for the family and, after a 12-week scan, blood tests revealed that Debs had contracted cytomegalovirus (CMV) - a virus which can affect unborn babies in very early pregnancy while the organs are developing.

“Because I had contracted it very early in the pregnancy, we were told it was likely it would affect Riley,” said Debs.

“But we had already come so far, we were not going to give up on him.

“He had already fought so hard to be here. We decided that whatever was coming, we would deal with it.”

Riley was born in July 2014, with functional hearing in one ear, before eventually losing the hearing in his other ear and, at 6 months, suffering his first epileptic fit.

Caring for Riley, now confined to a wheelchair, is highly demanding for the Nash family but they were provided much-needed respite when they were referred to Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice in 2021.

Ian said: “We know that when Riley is at Charlton Farm he is safe and cared for. It takes the pressure off us completely. The care team knows his exact care needs and are so dedicated to him.”

Despite the challenges which Riley faces, he continues to amaze his family with his love of life.

“He is so content and happy,” said Debs, “And as soon as we walk through the doors of Charlton Farm, he knows it – because his face lights up with the biggest of smiles.”

The money raised by Ian and Charlie’s cycle ride will go towards purchasing items on Charlton Farm’s ‘wish list’ including switch adapted toys and hammocks.

Area fundraiser Lucie Perryman said: “We’re so proud of Ian and Charlie for completing their challenge and for their fabulous fundraising."

“Our care team is a phenomenal group of people and we love to hear about how they’ve helped support families.”

Charlton Farm is one of three Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) hospices which provide a range of services including short breaks, specialist play, Music Therapy, activities for siblings, palliative and emergency care, end of life care, bereavement support and specialist medical care - all available for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.