By JENNESS MITCHELL

A PRIMARY school pupil’s pedal power has raised a whopping £1228 to help the homeless in Glasgow.

Little Chloe Lochery was the youngest to take part in Lodging House Mission’s fundraising event in August, cycling an impressive 18.5 miles in under three hours.

The 10-year-old, who beat last year’s amount of £1064, said: “I am very happy I smashed last year’s target. I didn’t think I’d manage to raise so much after what I managed last year. The toughest part was when I fell off my bike near the end and grazed my knee badly. I got cleaned up and straight back on my bike because I wanted to finish the cycle. The cycle was difficult because it was a wet day but it was fun.”

Chloe, a P7 pupil at Wallace Primary in Elderslie, first got involved with Lodging House Mission (LHM), which helps disadvantaged people get back on their feet, after she saw people sleeping rough on the streets and felt she had to do something to help them. So last year, along with her papa, Andrew McIntyre, the chaplain at Partick South Church, Chloe took part in the ride, which starts at Glasgow Green and finishes outside LHM’s offices.

Once again supported by her papa, the youngster geared up for this year’s event and has her sight firmly set on a bigger challenge.

She said: “I enjoy cycling and I like knowing that I am helping those who are homeless. I will definitely be doing the cycle again next year then in two years’ time my aim is to try the Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle.”

“It makes me sad when I see people on the streets. I like to buy them something to eat and drink, but I feel I want to help more. I hope over the next few years I can do more and more to help and once I’m older I’d like to go out on the streets to help.”

Chloe’s mum, Catherine McIntyre, is extremely proud of her daughter. Catherine noted: “She didn’t think she would be able to beat last year’s amount and only hoped to raise £200. She has a heart of gold. She understands homelessness and wants to help which is amazing at such a young age. To raise over £2,000 in two years is fantastic.”

As well as the cycle and other fundraising events, Chloe also raised money from a St Mirren Fans Council open day. Along with the £64 bucket collection, Saints gaffer Jack Ross gave the schoolgirl a signed strip to auction off – which raised £120.

The St Mirren Fans Council were more than happy to help Chloe.

Secretary Sarah Murray said: “She is a young St Mirren fan with a heart of gold. We are keen to support those in the community who are less fortunate than ourselves, and regularly do foodbank collections at the stadium. Supporting Chloe was an easy decision and we will happily do it again if she continues to fundraise.”

Rangers and Celtic football clubs both donated stadium tours for auction, raising £60 in total. Wallace Primary raised £130 from a fundraising day, which was then matched by the council. The congregation at Partick South Church raised around £300 and the rest was collected via family, friends and those who seen her Justgiving page.

Chloe presented the cheque to LHM on October 13, where she received a cake and framed picture in return. Gus Smeaton, the manager of Lodging House Mission, was full of praise for the youngster.

He said: “It’s great that someone so young is thinking about people in unfortunate circumstances. We’re really grateful – it’s fantastic what she’s done. We’re going to put the money towards a special project to buy a defibrillator. There’s ambulances here all the time, so this is going to help save lives.”