1 October 2026
A summer of cycling and fundraising for nine-year-old Amelie and her family
This summer, we were amazed by nine-year-old Amelie, who took on a very special challenge to help make a difference at University Hospital Southampton – and brought her whole family along for the ride. Together, Amelie and her family raised more than £800 to support the hospital.
Amelie’s inspiration came from close to home. After helping look after her grandfather “Popsie” through some heart problems, she decided she wanted to give back to the hospital, because, as she puts it, “they help people when they are poorly or injured.”
The summer cycle challenge
Amelie and her family came up with a plan. They wanted to cycle the distance from their home in Petersfield to University Southampton Hospital (36 miles away) before the end of the summer holidays.
Not only did Amelie complete the challenge on time, but she also surpassed it, riding 41 miles in total with her mum Katharine, dad Jon, and six-year-old brother Joshua. The miles took them from the countryside around Petersfield to the coast, with the family even taking their bikes with them on holiday to Cornwall so they could keep the challenge going. And it wasn’t just about cycling. Amelie and Joshua also ran a bake sale for neighbours and friends.
A summer to remember
Katharine said that the challenge brought the whole family closer, with lots of quality time spent outdoors. It even inspired them to buy a roof rack for their car, opening up new adventures on local bike trails including the Meon Trail and the Hayling Billy Trail.
When Amelie was asked about her favourite memory, she answered rescuing a bumblebee on the Meon Trail. The little bee had ended up on a track and, with Amelie and Joshua’s help, was safely taken off the track and given an energy boost, by them finding some flowers for the bee.
A huge thank you to Amelie and her family for helping us make a difference at the hospital.
Feeling inspired?
Amelie’s story shows that you’re never too young to make a difference. If Amelie’s story has inspired you, why not take on your own challenge and fundraise for Southampton Hospitals Charity?
Every mile, every cake, and every pound raised helps us continue caring for the people of Southampton and beyond.