A RINGWOOD cyclist has used pedal power to generate funds to help a Zimbabwean family build a home.

Cis Brown, who was joined by her friend Mike Popperwell, completed a 24-hour sponsored tandem bike ride around Ringwood and the New Forest at the weekend.

The congregation at Poulner Baptist Chapel (PBC) in Ringwood have been involved in Zimbabwe for some years, since a Zimbabwean family arrived at Moorlands College to study Theology.

The same family, John and Ketani Matiza, are now working for Christian charities back in Zimbabwe, and were recently visited by members of the Ringwood Church. The PBC visitors discovered how hard the family are working to help others, yet need to construct a house for themselves.

This prompted Cis and Mike to get on their bikes to help them.

Cis said: “This has been such a joyous weekend for me. I’ve so enjoyed being able to do something to help this couple’s valuable work.”

During their cycle ride they covered more than 300 miles in 24 hours, starting and finishing at the Elm Tree in Ringwood. Several church members and friends also rode short distances with them.

About £700 was raised which will go towards helping the Matiza family build their own home.