A YOUNGSTER from Exbourne cycled 34 miles last week in order to raise funds to purchase a defibrillator for his village.

After attending the Dartmoor Safety Day in Lydford two years ago, organised by emergency services, Joel Sawyer, 12, decided that he wanted to undertake a mammoth task to raise funds for a defibrillator.

Cycling along the Tarka Trail from Meeth to Braunton — 34 miles — the weather was not kind to Joel but his mum Angie said that his spirits were high and he was joined by her husband Mark and his brother Joshua, 8, who kept up moral.

Angie said: ‘It was pouring with rain and he even had to change his clothes half way, but when he finished he just wanted to just keep going. I am so proud of him — he was amazing.’

The amount raised is not yet known but it is hoped to be enough to purchase a defibrillator.

Picture by James Bird.