Guy gets on his bike for a cause close to his heart

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

CHARITY RIDE: Guy Pinfold, 2, is practising riding his “big boy bike” with mum Tessa and sister Meg in preparation for the Heart Children New Zealand charity ride.

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He’s only two, but Guy Pinfold is practising on his "big boy bike" for a special ride.

The Sandringham youngster will take part in the 5km charity ride for Heart Children New Zealand in Taupo on Saturday, along with his sister Meg, mum Tessa Hodson and dad Bevan.

There’s a chance he’ll end up finishing the ride on the back of his mum’s bike, but his new red bicycle is ready to go and he’s practising pedalling fast.

Tessa says the family and their relatives started riding in the 160km Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge eight years ago but had no idea Heart Children was the official charity until Guy developed a rare heart condition last year.

He has dilated cardiomyopathy, which is not unusual in adults but rare in children, where the heart stops pumping properly and swells, meaning the liver can’t function properly and the kidneys start to fail.

He was admitted to Starship in April last year and now takes about nine medications a day to control the condition.

Tessa says the heart ward at the hospital was full of brave children and babies who had undergone operations and open heart surgery.

People involved in Heart Children were also welcome visitors.

"They were brilliant because they get it. They really understand what it is you’re going through."

Heart Children also gives families practical help like petrol vouchers and puts them in touch with others going through the same thing, she says.

The family raised $1400 for Heart Children last year riding legs of the full race and hopes to beat that total this year.

To donate to the family’s team visit www.fundraiseon line.co.nz/guysflyers09/.

- © Fairfax NZ News