A COMPANY director from Taunton is aiming to raise £100,000 for a children's charity, with a cycle ride from Somerset to Portugal.

Jack Cooper, managing director of Cooper Associates Wealth Management (based in St James Street, Taunton), has undertaken the fundraiser after personal experience of the work done by Cots for Tots.

The Cots for Tots appeal was launched in 2010 as part of the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity, The Grand Appeal, in support of the South West region's critically ill babies.

In a statement on their fundraising page, Jack and Siobhan Cooper explain how their lives were changed forever on June 18, 2020.

Their daughter Louella was born after an uncomplicated pregnancy, and was apparently healthy, but seven hours later their lives were "turned upside down".

The statement adds: "It had become apparent that Louella had suffered a Grade 4 Brain Haemorrhage and was rushed to intensive care in Bristol, effectively dying five times on route.

"She had two brain surgeries to control a condition called hydrocephalus, and the damage was such that Louella has Cerebral Palsy, severe vision loss and also suffered seizures.

"This is not what you expect for your first time as parents. It is meant to be magical.

"To add to the already desperate situation, this was during the Covid-19 pandemic and therefore no hotels were open, but we refused to leave Louella where she would be for the next two months.

"We were handed a lifeline by an incredible charity, Cots for Tots.

"The charity gave us a safe space, a room, a bed, a TV, a fridge, a kitchen and hotel-donated meals, only 30 seconds away from Louella.

"This allowed us to have structure to our day to ensure we kept ourselves physically well as well as being present for Louella at a time which was unimaginably stressful.

"Cots for Tots do this day in and day out for many families, and until you experience what they do, its hard to appreciate how truly outstanding they are as a charity.

"For that reason, we have committed to support this cause for the rest of their lives, and want to make a real difference."

Jack and his brother Lee - group chief executive at Cooper Associates - have taken on the challenge of cycling from the company offices in Taunton to Vilamoura, in Portugal, in August.

That is a trip of 1,519 miles and 19,931 metres of ascent, through four countries and over the Pyrenees, which they aim to complete in a 14-day period.

A total of £100,000 would fund Cots for Tots accommodation - 12 rooms - for 238 days, giving hundreds of families a lifeline when they need it most.

More information about the fundraising challenge can be viewed here.