WIRRAL Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman has taken part in a sporting challenge raising cash for charity.

The champion cyclist ran one mile with six-year-old Holly McHugh reaching the finish line to raise funds for Children with Cancer UK.

Determined Holly, from Great Sankey, will run more than 26 miles over the next few months - completing one mile at a time at different locations.

She will finish the final mile of her adventure alongside her mum, Sue, who will run beyond the finish line of this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, April 13.

Sue, aged 40, said: “I feel really emotional right now. I honestly couldn’t be prouder of Holly.”

Despite the wet and windy weather conspiring against Holly, she sprinted across the finish line at Media City in Salford to a roaring crowd, leaving Olympian Chris behind.

Chris, who was born and raised in Hoylake and attended Hilbre High School, said Holly was nothing short of ‘amazing’ and praised her for her fundraising efforts.

“I think she was a bit over exuberant at the start and I thought she was going to need a rest in a minute but she actually got quicker. I think she was trying to force a gap,” joked Chris.

To donate, visit: virginmoneygiving.com/team/TheLondonMarathon2014