A LYMM dad was inspired to get on his bike to raise money for Onside Warrington Youth Club (WYC) after the Buddy Up scheme transformed his daughter’s life.

Neil Sennett along with seven of his friends cycled 170 miles over three days, from Morecambe to Scarborough, earlier this month after he was left ‘overwhelmed’ by the support his daughter received at the youth club, based at the Peace Centre.

Neil’s daughter Niamh Sennett, 11, was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of seven, making social situations difficult for her.

Her parents say the support they have received through the scheme has been invaluable.

Andrea Sennett, Niamh’s mum, said: “Over the last four years, we have had such an eye-opening experience in realising just how little support there is for children with mental health conditions.

“It has also made me realise, that without all the charities there would really be no support at all.

“As a family, we have only survived because of these extended services that have been so critical to us.”

The Buddy Up project at WYC offers young people with disabilities, such as autism, the chance to socialise by providing them with a fully-trained buddy who they can take part in social activities with.

Lyndsay Darlison, business manager at WYC, said: “As a registered charity, we are not guaranteed funding and rely on supporters and fundraising.

“I am immensely grateful that Andrea, Neil and Neil’s cycling partners have chosen to do this challenge on our behalf.”

The youth club also run film nights and holiday clubs to enable the children that are a part of the Buddy Up scheme to enjoy mainstream activities in a relevant environment.

Between the ages of six and 16, 10 per cent of children will be diagnosed with a mental health condition.

WYC say schemes like this, therefore, are crucial for allowing children with disabilities to flourish socially, while offering support to their families.