A TEACHER is undertaking a 150 mile cycle ride followed by the equivalent of nearly six marathons in order to raise funds for a severely disabled little boy.

Shona Fletcher has set herself the target of raising £10,000 so Roscoe Tulloch can receive a donation of life changing equipment before he starts school in September.

The four-year-old was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and visual impairment after being born 11 weeks premature in July 2010.

He cannot speak and can only express himself through smiling, laughing or crying.

Mrs Fletcher, 35, from Yafforth, near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, hopes her efforts will enable the youngster’s parents to buy what has been described as a “Stephen Hawking-style” computer.

It uses so-called eyegaze technology which detects eye movement and allows the user to communicate and learn.

However, it is not available under the NHS in North Yorkshire.

Mrs Fletcher, who works with Roscoe’s dad Aaron at Yarm School, set off today (Monday, May 25) to cycle coast to coast from Seascale, Cumbria to Whitby, North Yorkshire, with her friend Ben Imeson.

Once completed she plans to run the return journey back to Cumbria – a 300 mile round trip in all involving hilly ascents totalling 9,000 metres.

The Richmond and Zetland Harrier only began competitive running two years ago after the birth of her daughter, but has since completed six marathons - including the Yorkshire Marathon which she won - but not back to back and without a break in between them.

She recently tore a ligament in her knee, but said she had no intention of cancelling the fundraiser.

She said: “I will keep on going, I have run a marathon with a torn ligament. Hopefully the knee holds up – I’ll be aiming to run at least half of the return journey.”

On Wednesday (May 27) she will be passing through Osmotherley, Danby Wiske, Streetlam, Bolton on Swale, Scorton, Catterick Bridge, Catterick Village and Leyburn, should members of the public wish to show their support and make a donation.

For more information and to donate online go to http://www.justgiving.com/roscoesc2c2c