Biggleswade family’s loss motivates six-year-old to take on cycling challenge

A six-year-old Biggleswade boy is leading a family fundraising effort to help a charity carrying out research into pregnancy loss and premature birth and show support for his parents who have experienced child bereavement.

Ellis Kodagoda decided to raise money for Tommy’s to “help other babies in tummies to survive, so their mummies and daddies aren’t sad”, and is cycling 50 miles around Biggleswade with his dad Harry by the end of the month.

Ellis’ mum, Samantha, said: “My husband and I have suffered five miscarriages, two before Ellis was born and three afterwards. We were lucky to have been under the care of a brilliant medical team in Hertford who helped us throughout my seventh pregnancy and we were blessed with our daughter Autumn, who was born in November 2018.

“During the time of our pregnancy losses we did lots of research and turned to many supportive websites, including Tommy’s. Just hearing others’ stories and knowing that you are not alone, can make such a difference in what otherwise feels like a really lonely time.

“In recent months Ellis has asked more questions about the miscarriages and we have talked openly to him about his angel siblings.

“Inspired by his cousin, who ran 100km in November 2019 when he was eight to also raise money for Tommy’s, Ellis asked what he could do to help babies and their families. And so, with his love of bike riding, this cycle challenge was decided.”

The family have contacted Tommy’s who have sent Ellis his own special T-shirt to wear.

So far, Ellis, who is a keen rugby player, has managed 15 miles on his bike.

He will fit the rest of his cycling around home schooling with his routes taking him mainly around the King’s Reach estate and into Biggleswade town.

“His friends and family have been so supportive, even our relatives in Canada have sponsored him,” said Samantha about how people have reacted to her son’s fundraising.

“Ellis chose his own fundraising target of £200 and within his first hour of launching his JustGiving page, he had smashed that, and now it stands at £900.

“We are all immensely proud of him. His school, St Andrew’s Lower School East are too, in particular his teacher Mrs Bailey who has sent Ellis some encouraging words of support, and it’s been heartwarming to receive sponsorship from some of Ellis’ classmates too.

“Ellis is over the moon with the support he’s received so far. If his first miles were anything to go by, then I’m sure he’ll feel a great sense of achievement by the end of the month.”

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/Ellis-Kodagoda