A BARRY man is set to cycle from north to south Wales, in a bid to raise money for a local girl with cerebral palsy.

Jordan Harrison, of Boon Close, will complete the 210-mile ride over two days in January to help two-year-old Niamh Tarran.

Niamh, who is cared for by her mum Emma Farrugia, suffers from hydrocephalus, a cerebral palsy condition that means she is unable to walk unaided and needs a walking frame or adapted wheelchair to move around safely.

The family have recently learnt that Niamh would need a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy operation in America, costing £40,000 with £20,000 of aftercare, for her to have the chance of walking as she gets older.

Consultants have told Emma that the sooner Niamh has the operation the better, with most having the operation before they are four.

In a bid to reach the target Emma, 24, has organised a range of fundraisers and has so far raised more than £7,000. "It's a bright start but there is a long way to go," she said.

"She's still running around like a little girl but she gets very frustrated because she wants to do everything like other little kids."

And Jordan has vowed to raise £10,000 for the family by completing the 100-mile-a-day cycle challenge.

The 27-year-old, who is studying a course in Electrical Installation at Cardiff and Vale College, had the idea while driving back from Conwy in north Wales.

"When I first looked up the distance online it came up with 174 miles, and I thought that was doable as John Bishop did 180 miles in one sitting for Sport Relief," he said.

"That was the car route though, and when I checked the cycling route I realised it was actually 210 miles!"

He will take on the challenge on the weekend of January 26-27. To sponsor him go to www.justgiving.com/jordan-harrison  or donate by texting RPON57 followed by £5 or any other amount to 70070.

If you would like to sponsor Jordan with kit, supplies, supplements or in any other way email Jordan_Harrison@hotmail.co.uk

Fundraising for Niamh:

* Charity dinner night and auction on November 23 at the Novotel Hotel from 7.30pm with tickets £35.

* Sponsored walk from Barry Island to Cosmeston and back on November 24 from 10am.

* Children's Party at Coconuts in Barry on November 30 (4-6pm). Tickets £5

For information or to buy tickets for any event contact Emma Farrugia on 07523 363717 or email efarrugia@hotmail.co.uk

To donate towards Niamh's bid for a life changing operation go to www.justgiving.com/niamhneedstowalk  or text NNTW50 followed by £5 or any other amount to 70070.