I HAD never met Lizi Robson, never even heard of her before now, but now I've heard first hand what a difference child cancer support charity CLIC Sargent makes.

Treatment for a four-and-a-half-year-old boy living in Cornwall involved surgery in London followed by a six- week course of daily radiotherapy in Bristol.

Finding and paying for accommodation could have been an extra problem for a family already dealing with tremendous stress, but CLIC Sargent put them up at CLIC House (Bristol) within walking distance of the hospital.

His treatment was successful, doubtlessly aided by having his supportive family around him and his family recognised that kindness by raising donations for the charity.

CLIC Sargent provide invaluable assistance and care for families by providing individual support through clinical, psychosocial, emotional as well as financial services in hospital, at home and in the community.

They are also involved in research into improving treatment and care.

The Barry Sheene Memorial Motorcycle Challenge is a fundraising event bearing the name of a keen and famous supporter who lost out to the disease.

The challenge covers an average of 300 miles per day over six days starting from Brands Hatch.

Riders then take the ferry to France and ride through Germany, Belgium and finish at the MotoGP at Assen (Holland). En route riders stop at (and hopefully complete a couple of circuits) of some of the famous racing tracks including Clemont Ferrand, Prenois Dijon, Hockenheim and Spa.

That's a minimum of 1,618 miles in eight days, a demanding trip for a seasoned biker, but Lizi has only been riding for a little over three years, including her L plate days.

Raising sponsorship and donations hasn't been easy, but having the support of ex-racer and bike supporter the Mayor of Southampton, Councillor John Slade is helping.

Lizi deserves all the help she can get, as do Clic Sargent, and this Thursday evening she'll be at Hein Gericke (Southampton) with her Honda CBR600FN bearing stickers from her sponsors - Solent Blue Line, Assured Rider Training (ART), Hein Gericke and Honda J2 - for a fundraising draw with great prizes.