An ambitious mum is preparing to push the pedals to raise money for a charity that helped her family get through a difficult time.

Sam Robinson, 31, from Upwey, has organised a charity spin-a-thon to raise money for Ronald McDonald House, who provided her and husband Will with a home away from home whilst their daughter Sienna, now 10 months old, was ill.

The challenge will see Sam and others attempt a tiring six hours of spinning at Dorchester Sports Centre, run by 1610 leisure trust, to raise funds for the charity.

Ronald McDonald Houses, based near children’s hospitals across the country, provide families with a place to stay whilst their children are undergoing hospital treatment. They are designed so that people can live a normal life whilst living away from home.

Sam said: “Sienna was born in October last year and she was really poorly. She was taken to Southampton Hospital and we didn’t have anywhere to stay, it was the last thing we were thinking about.

“Sienna was in the neo-natal unit, staff there told us about Ronald McDonald and we stayed there for the whole time.

“We wanted to do something to raise money and awareness for the charity to say thank you as they are amazing. Up until Sienna was born, spinning was my exercise of choice, so that’s how I came up with the idea.

“1610 said they would get on board, so we are raising money for Ronald McDonald and 1610’s chosen charity, Mind.”

Mental health charity Mind provide advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

The spin-a-thon will take place at the sports centre on Saturday, September 30, from 9am until 3pm, with six separate hour slots. Budding spinners can sign up to do any amount from one hour to the whole six hours.

Sam said: “Me and some of my friends are doing the six hours. It is £4 for each hour and all the money will go towards Ronald McDonald and Mind, we’re hoping lots of people will sign up. There’s 35 bikes for each hour.

“On the day we are also running a raffle, we’ve been really lucky and people have donated some amazing prizes.”

Sam said her goal is to raise £1,000 for Ronald McDonald, and has set up an online Just Giving page for donations.

Those who would like to support the event, but don’t want to ‘spin’, can give raffle prizes or sponsorship. Donate online at justgiving.com/fundraising/ronaldmcdonaldhousesouthampton