A Sandbach schoolgirl has raised over £2,000 for a dementia charity after completing a cycle marathon.

Emily Izzard spent each day last month hitting the saddle soon after dawn, often shrugging off the inclement cold weather, to clock a minimum of 7km a day towards her epic journey.

The 10-year-old had hoped to hit a target of £300 for the Alzheimer's Society in memory of her great-grandmother, but her JustGiving page has now seen £2,125 pledged for her cause.

Emily's father, Andrew, joined initially to run alongside and record his daughter's mileage on Strava, before retiring with an ankle injury.

Mum, Hannah, stepped in as cheerleader and the youngster's efforts even sparked celebrity interest when Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster rang her up to offer his support; both Andrew and Emily are keen fans of the Hornets.

In total, Emily totted up around 240km on her bike rides.

Andrew said: "Each morning Emily was getting up at 6.30 in the morning and riding seven to 10km each day. It was a great effort as she rode her bike every day during February even when there was snow and freezing temperatures.

"We are so proud of her achievements and dedication. I lost my nan to dementia a couple of years ago. The Alzheimer's Society supported our family and is a charity dear to our hearts."

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