Mum inspired by daughter’s journey takes on London to Brighton Cycle
Written by Lexi Heselwood on 28th August 2025
A determined mum from Northamptonshire is set to take on the iconic 55-mile London to Brighton Cycle on Sunday 14th September.
Charlotte Lindop, a mum of three, was inspired to fundraise for Children Today after we provided a specialist car seat for her daughter Ellie, who was recently diagnosed with autism.
Charlotte Lindop is taking on the London to Brighton Cycle in aid of Children Today
Charlotte explained how the equipment has been a lifeline for the whole family:
“We live in a small village with no bus services and the nearest town is five miles away, so travelling by car is essential. Unfortunately, Ellie has no danger awareness or impulse control, and she kept undoing her harness in the car, making journeys unsafe.
“Children Today helped fund a special seat harness with a magnetic mechanism, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. I can now take Ellie to swimming lessons on my own, and we’ve been able to travel further afield as a family – even visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which just wouldn’t have been possible before.”
Charlotte says the impact has gone far beyond practical support:
“It means Ellie can access more day trips, see friends and family, and enjoy new experiences. Most importantly, her brother and sister no longer have to miss out.”
Motivated by her own experience, Charlotte signed up for the London to Brighton challenge, despite not having ridden a bike since her teens.
Charlotte is taking on the charity bike ride in the name of her daughter, Ellie (pictured), who has Autism
Charlotte explains:
“It was a moment of impulsivity! I felt really moved knowing that there was support out there for us. Because my husband and I both work, we’re in an awkward bracket where we often fall outside the boundaries to get help from most charities. With all the extra things Ellie needs, finances can be tough, especially with the cost of day-to-day living going up. Children Today stepped up to help when we needed it most, and for that we are eternally grateful. I just wanted to be able to give something back.”
With just over a week to go until the day of the London to Brighton cycle – which starts at Clapham Common and ends at Brighton seafront – Charlotte has been training regularly with support from her family. She adds:
“I’m excited and looking forward to the challenge, but I’m not setting myself any targets. I’ll just be happy to cross the line and finish the race!
“Although I’ve already beaten my fundraising target, it would be great to raise enough to fund another piece of equipment for another child – whether that’s a car seat or an adapted trike – because I know firsthand just how much of an impact it can have.”
To make a donation to Charlotte’s fundraiser visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/charlotte-lindop-l2b
Emma Prescott, Children Today Charity Director, comments:
“We know all about the challenges families raising children with a disability face every day, which makes Charlotte’s commitment to helping others all the more inspiring. Everyone at Children Today is behind Charlotte all the way, and wish her the best of luck in this epic challenge.”
