THEY came in their masses to help young hospital patients in Southampton.

Paediatric nurse Sarah Hartfree is the brains behind the Bow Tie Bike Ride and set off with a team of pedalling hospital staff, families, friends and fundraisers for an adventure across the UK.

Their mission is to reach a £22,000 target which will buy a portable ultrasound device for Southampton General’s Paediatric Rheumatology Fund.

The group will cycle 200 miles through Winchester, Portsmouth and Poole before returning to Southampton, by which time Sarah hopes their sponsors and supporters will have helped them reach the target.

Sarah said: “It is so important that we become more mobile to help these children and that’s why I decided to organise the ride and just asked people to spread the word so I don’t actually know a lot of the people taking part but that’s great because it just proves how people are willing to help for a good cause.

“Children shouldn’t have to wait, this portable scanner will save the family time and worry allowing diagnosis potentially more quickly.”

To support Sarah’s cause, visit: www.virginmoneygiving.cm/team/bowtiebikeride.