SILSDEN youngster Jonnie Fannon is to tackle the entire length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to raise money for spinal research while standing on the pegs of his electric powered trials motorbike.

Nine year old Jonnie came up with the idea after motorbike star and television presenter, Guy Martin, suggested he step away from his usual trials riding to have fun on his motorbike while still challenging himself, and raising money for a good cause at the same time.

He will be joined by his friend, Adam Thornton, who will be riding a mountain bike, and together they plan to set off on August 4, taking two days, and riding at an average eight miles per hour to complete the 127 miles.

Dad, Chris Fannon, said: “His mum and I are in total awe of Jonnie for taking up this truly testing challenge. Guy and I were just talking about alternative activities that Jonnie could do on his motorbike to keep him interested, when Guy suggested setting a big achievement for him to attempt. We’ve teamed up with Adam, to accompany him and they’ve been in training over the last few weeks to get ready for the main event.”

He added: “The issues we’ve had to address are legs and arm ache from being in the same position for up to two and a half hours at a time. Arm pump, where your arms swell and can’t dispel the build-up of lactic acid and maintaining concentration over a full day to prevent accidents and physical exhaustion.”

Adam said he would do all he could to help Jonnie get from Liverpool to Leeds. “What a totally top lad Jonnie is for stepping up, doing something different and raising money for a great cause. To see him take on a challenge that would defeat some adults is phenomenal – good on him.”

The pair will set off from Liverpool at 5am on August 4 and hope to reach Skipton at about 3pm. The next day, they plan to leave Skipton at about 8am, passing through Silsden around an hour later, and arriving in Leeds around 2pm.

Every couple of hours they will have to stop for a battery change of Jonnie’s bike, while his mum, Lidia, and sister, Hollie, will be part of the support crew looking after food, drinks and encouragement.

Jonnie has already been helped by a number of businesses and organisations including Trials UK.

He said: “I can’t believe all the people that are trying to help me! Of course my dad, mum and my sister but Adam’s been brilliant, and all the people who have sponsored me.”

Nige Pearson from Trials UK, who will be helping out with technical and bike maintenance, said: “Jonnie is like a mini-Guy to be honest. He’s a real personality and we’re delighted to support him.”

To support Jonnie and Adam in their efforts, visit: justgiving.com/jonnie-fannon.