A FOUR-YEAR-OLD is feeling triumphant after completing a 10-mile sponsored bike ride from Weymouth to Portland.

Delilah Jarman, who is in reception class at Radipole Junior School, recently learnt to ride without stabilisers, cycled alongside her family.

She has been raising money for two projects in Romania which involve her grandfather Malcolm Jarman, 60, who has been visiting the European country since 1992.

The two projects Malcolm has been helping with are the Casa Noastre children’s home in the city of Arad, and Mocrea psychiatric hospital 30 miles north of Arad.

Malcolm said the bike ride was a huge success and so far Delilah has managed to raise £600.

He added: “Delilah cycled from the top of Ridgeway Hill in Weymouth to the Cove House Inn in Chiswell on Portland, a distance of exactly 10 miles, with me, my wife Janie and her dad Matthew.

“She stopped to pick flowers at one point and had a photo taken outside her school, which was on the cycle route.

“On the bike ride, we also stopped near The Ghurka, had a picnic and met up with some members of the family there.

“After that we biked through the Rodwell Trail.

“We all really enjoyed it and I can’t say enough how much the money raised will help.

“This event has also helped us raise awareness of the two projects in Romania and it’s a great feeling to know you’ve done that.”

“When we reached the finish line we gave Delilah a special medal so she has something to remember her efforts.

“Delilah had all her family cheering her on and she had a great support team on the way.

“She understands what she has been raising money for and that the children at the Romanian children’s home have no parents to be with.”

Malcolm plans to work alongside staff at the hospital in June and July this year, culminating in an open day which aims to reduce the isolation of the rural hospital and to encourage links for the 150 patients with their local community.

He said the £600 raised so far will go a long way in Romania and will help towards the open day.

Malcolm added: “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated money to us or pledged to donate money.

“We are so pleased Delilah wanted to help and if anyone still wants to donate to the fundraiser please do get in touch.”

Delilah and her family completed the cycle ride on Wednesday and were finished by approximately 3pm at Portland.

Anyone wanting to donate to Delilah’s fundraiser should call Claire on 07803 292834 or Malcolm on 07736 299888.

Alternatively, people can email malcolmjarman@hotmail.com or clairejarman99@gmail.com.