Red Nose Day challenge sees Berkhamsted brothers aged just six, seven and nine raise more than £1,000 for charity

Three brothers from Berkhamsted are cycling 173 miles around their local area, while dressed in silly costumes, to raise money for Red Nose Day and spread some cheer in their community.

Nine-year-old Javi, Leo, seven, and six-year-old Seb have been cycling in their local area every day since February 19. Their aim is to travel the equivalent total distance to their Grandad's home in Wigan, who they have not been able to see during the pandemic.

They decided to do the month-long cycle challenge - which will end on Red Nose Day (March 19) - while wearing a silly accessory to raise money for Comic Relief, and to make their community smile.

They have cycled two miles each, every day since they started the challenge, and they set a target of £250, which they have smashed - their current total is £1,145.

Their mum Lou said: "We have been cycling in lockdown, as many families have, and the boys recently saw an advert on TV for Red Nose Day.

"It was about the fundraising and how the money raised helps children and people in need across the world. The boys actually got quite upset about it and wanted to do something to help this Red Nose Day.

"I said there was a way that they actually could help.

"We realised we couldn't do much, being in lockdown. We have all been finding it hard being apart from our relatives, so we decided to 'travel' to Grandads, who lives 173 miles away in Wigan.

"The boys have a close relationship with their Grandad, and they have really missed him.

"We thought why not be silly along the way, dressing up with silly accessories and outfits!

"We have had hats, masks, capes and superman outfits, it has been great fun."

This year, Red Nose Day is all about bringing the UK together to show just how powerful humour can be through the toughest of times.

2021’s theme is Funny is Power, which aims to inspire people to get involved, as the smallest of acts like telling a joke or wearing a red nose can make a huge difference in the

world.

Money raised will support some of the most vulnerable people and communities in society who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis, including those now reliant on food banks, and provide vital funding to under resourced front line charities as they adapt and navigate through these difficult uncertain times.

Lou added: "The fact that they have stuck to it is impressive, especially now they're back at school, the other morning they actually got up and did it before school!

"I hope it inspires other people to get involved.

"I am so proud of them, it is something my dad is really proud of as well and he has really enjoyed seeing them wearing silly accessories.

"It has given them something to do daily. The boys miss him and he misses them, so this has been really lovely to bring us together again."

Money raised by Red Nose Day this year will help tackle issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse, and mental health problems, all of which have been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, in the UK and around the world.

You can make a donation to the brothers at their Just Giving page.

The BBC One night of TV is on Friday, March 19, from 7pm. It is not too late to get involved, with covid-safe fundraising ideas available on the website.

> Have you been raising money for Red Nose Day? Will you be taking part in a fundraising challenge?

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