A SWINDON teenager will be pedalling for charity after being picked to take part in an epic televised challenge.

Thomas Stamp, a 17-year-old New College student who has cerebral palsy, is one of only six young people picked for this year's Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge.

The team will be fronted by The One Show host Matt Baker as they embark on an eight-day, 400-mile journey. It starts in Holyhead, Wales, on Friday, November 8 and finishes at the BBC’s Elstree Studios a week later.

Thomas has ADHD and autism alongside his movement and co-ordination condition and has suffered at the hands of bullies.

He said: “I hope that I can inspire other young people who have been through a similar experience to me and show them that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

“I’m excited to be a part of Team Rickshaw 2019 and I’m looking forward to seeing people out on the road cheering us on.”

Thomas said sport has provided him with an escape from the difficulties in his life.

He has been supported by Cerebral Palsy Sport, which receives funding from Children in Need to give young people with the condition the chance to access training and regular sporting events.

Thomas added: “Sport has helped me throughout my life.

“Sport has helped to take my mind off some of the problems I’ve been faced with and has been an escape for me.

“Taking part in sport is something that I really enjoy, I like getting to meet lots of new people, it makes me feel really positive and like I can achieve whatever I set my mind to.”

Through his involvement with Cerebral Palsy Sport, Thomas has competed in the CISPRA Games and won silver medals in 100m and 200m running events.

The team’s progress will be broadcast live on The One Show throughout the week, as Matt’s co-presenters back in the studio follow the team on their journey. This year’s route will see the team tackle the highest village in the UK – Flash in the Peak District, and the steepest street in the world in Harlech, Wales.

Matt said: “I can’t believe that in just a few weeks’ time we’ll be heading back on the road again for the ninth year of the Rickshaw Challenge.

“We have a truly inspirational team joining us on the road, and we’re looking forward to seeing all those friendly faces who will be cheering us on from the roadside, as we battle the elements and complete the 400-mile journey from Wales to Elstree.”

Since 2011, the Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £25 million for Children in Need.