A HELLIFIELD boy has conquered Ingleborough in his quest to raise money to help him learn to ride his new bike, as well as support a charity close to his heart.

Riley Lippitt, a Year 5 pupil at Settle Primary School, is like any other nine-year-old boy from the outside.

He is intelligent, funny and has a strong character, with lots of friends and a loving family, but struggles with everyday tasks which most children take for granted.

He enjoys nothing better than playing with his brother and sister, five-year-old Beau, and two-year-old Sofia.

Two years ago Riley was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a developmental coordination disorder, that affects every person who has it in a different way.

Mum Julia explains: “For Riley, it means he struggles with co-ordination and balance, motor skills and processing. He can’t tie shoelaces, or fasten buttons, he can’t open a packet of crisps or climb ladders. He struggles to kick and catch balls, to balance on climbing frames, to use cutlery. He is incredibly bright, but he struggles with learning anything that involves processes, so maths is hard.

“He soldiers on without a care about the dyspraxia, apart from one thing - he is desperate to be able to ride a bike; but he just can’t.

“He has no balance to hold a bike up, and struggles with learning the right method to pedal without stabilisers. And this upsets him so much. He wants to be like any other nine-year-old boy, bombing round on a bike.”

Richard Wright, Riley’s head teacher added: “Riley is someone who embraces life to the full and someone who is determined to overcome any obstacle that might be put before him. He has a loving and supportive family who will back him 100 per cent and I wish Riley all the very best in this exciting venture.”

Mrs Lippitt started a GoFundMe fundraising page to go towards purchasing a bike and for lessons.

The target of £850 was soon reached but Riley didn’t want to stop there.

He wanted to carry on and raise some money for the Dyspraxia Foundation.

At the weekend he took part in a sponsored walk up Ingleborough. The six-mile hike was a real challenge because of his lack of strength, muscle tone and balance,.

Riley set off on Sunday and reached the summit tired but thrilled. He was accompanied by his mum, his grandparents Robin and Anne Strange and his best friend, Imogen Royston, and close family friend Kerri Fellows.

“Riley was amazing. He had a bit of a wobble at the top as he was a bit tired and cold, but he did it. We are so very proud. We are still working out the money, but currently we are at about £350 raised for the Dyspraxia Foundation on top of the money we raised for his bike and lessons. It’s been an incredible response and he’s been so determined,” said Mrs Lippitt.

Anyone wishing do donate to Riley’s fundraiser can do so at: gofundme.com/f/get-riley-riding where there are details of his journey and the day-to-day struggles he encounters.

The family has set up an Instagram page to chart Riley’s journey and raise awareness - @smileyrileybeatsdyspraxia