CYCLISTS saddled up for a 42-mile bike ride in memory of a baby girl.

More than 20 people geared up for the challenge to remember Lagan Katherine Anne Grant, who lost her fight against a complex heart condition, at just 15 weeks old, three years ago. Lagan’s Foundation was set up in her name by parents Carren Bell and Barry Grant.

It is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing help to parents in their own homes whose babies are born with congenital heart defects (CHD) or have feeding difficulties.

The cycle ride, which started and ended at Rivington Bowling Green, took in some of the borough’s most picturesque beauty spots.

Miss Bell, who lives in Horwich with her family, said: “We had 26 cyclists take part in a what was a really challenging ride — it was almost vertical all the way.

“It was all uphill with no real breaks in between the hills.”

Some who took part were keen cyclists, others simply enjoyed bike riding.

Miss Bell, aged 34, added: “There were some really inspiring stories, we had one cyclist, Chris Burke, from Little Lever, who talked all the way through and missed the signpost and ended up doing a detour, getting a puncture — and still came second.

“There was another cyclist, Anthony Jones, from Runcorn, who was determined to complete the course even though he had never ridden that distance before, had a puncture and then suffered a worn tyre. But because of the money he had raised, he was determined to complete it and was doing it for his daughter, who has feeding issues.”

All the riders received goody bags from sports store Decathalon and refreshments courtesy of the bowling club.

The day raised £1,500, which will go towards training more volunteers to provide support and help to “heart families”.

David Brandwood was first home with a time of 2 hours, 51 minutes and 28 seconds, with Chris, aged 35, at 2:56:11.

Miss Bell said: “It was a glorious day for my daughter. The ride did take place on the day after the anniversary of her death and it was nice to replace the memories of that day with new, better memories.”

Next year the ride is expected to attract double, if not more riders.

l For more information on Lagan’s Foundation or to donate visit lagans.org.uk