A MUM is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Middlewich children affected by the Manchester terror attack.

Gail Armstrong, from Croxton Lane, will be cycling 36 miles around Middlewich and Holmes Chapel on July 9 in aid of the 23 children in the area who attended the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

The mum-of-one is joined by her newly-found charity committee Ally Diggle, Trevor Bowker, Candy Lean and Mark and Sandra Morris, who offered their support following a Facebook appeal.

She is now on the lookout for fellow riders and corporate sponsors, and is hopeful of registering up to 100 cyclists to the event.

Gail said: “I work in Manchester and after hearing from people caught up in the travesty I felt compelled to do something about it.

“It all just felt a little too close to home and this is now our way of giving back to the children in the community who will be traumatised by the events of that night.

“The route is quite flat so it’s open to people who don’t have much experience of cycling, and a few weeks is more than enough time to incorporate a bit of training.

“We want as many riders as possible, but if we also get businesses to donate, we can very easily make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“I’ve had interest from 50 people so far after a short space of time, so that is the target, but we’re aiming for 100 and would be ecstatic if we got there.

“Those children will never forget the events of that night, but hopefully the money we raise can go towards something they enjoy.

“We want them to know that we’re supporting them.”

The money will be split between 23 children from Middlewich High School, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sandbach Girls School.

The registration fee is £5 and participants will then receive a traditional sponsorship form to raise for the event.

To register for the Cheshire Benefit Cycle or donate contact Gail Armstrong on 07527490454.