EditorSwansea schoolboy Ollie Blake raises £1,600 for Faith in Families with 15‑mile bike ride and cake stall
Pedal power and plenty of brakes
Ollie Blake, aged seven, set off from Swansea determined to complete the 15‑mile challenge, cheered on by family and friends. Despite “holding his brakes more often than his mum and dad might have liked”, Ollie powered through to the finish line – where his now‑famous cake stall was waiting to welcome supporters.
It’s the second year in a row Ollie has taken on a major challenge for Faith in Families. In 2024 he climbed Pen y Fan and sold cakes at the summit, raising more than £1,400. This year he “took things up a gear – without any gears at all” to beat that total.
A ride to remember Grampa Nigel
This year’s ride was made even more special by the presence of Ollie’s Grampa Nigel, who joined him for the challenge and proudly supported his grandson’s efforts.
Tragically, Nigel passed away unexpectedly at the end of August. In his memory, Ollie’s family have asked for donations to Faith in Families in place of flowers – a touching tribute to a man who loved being part of his grandson’s fundraising adventures.
Smashing his target
Ollie’s £1,600 total will go directly towards Faith in Families’ work supporting children and families across Swansea who are facing poverty, crisis and trauma.
His mum Gemma said:
“Next year Ollie wants to do a skydive – lucky for me he’s not old enough… so we’ll wait and see what he comes up with next!”
“An inspiration”
Faith in Families CEO Cherrie Bija praised Ollie’s determination:
“Ollie is such an inspiration – his energy, determination and kindness shine through everything he does. To take on a 15‑mile cycle at just seven years old is incredible, and to do it alongside his Grampa Nigel makes this year’s fundraising even more special.
We are so grateful to Ollie, Gemma, and the whole family for choosing to support Faith in Families. Their efforts will help us reach even more children and families in Swansea who need us, and Nigel’s memory will live on through the impact these donations will make.”
About Faith in Families
Faith in Families is a Swansea‑based charity dedicated to supporting children and families facing poverty, crisis and trauma. Through its network of Community Cwtches and the Cwtch Mawr Multibank, the charity provides essential resources, emotional support and opportunities for brighter futures across Swansea and South Wales.
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