A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Irvine girl’s bike ride has helped raise more than £2,000 for her childminder, who is suffering from a brain tumour.

Harper Byers came up with the idea to help her ‘best friend’ Sam Gibson, after she fell ill.

The sponsored cycle saw little Harper ride 15 kilometres in just over an hour.

Family and friends cheered her on as she approached the finish line where she jumped off her bike and ran to give Sam a big hug.

Sam was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year, and has been suffering seizures.

She is waiting to undergo surgery but because of her condition she and her partner cannot work.

Friends, family and social media influencers rallied to support the childminder, raising funds to support Sam, her husband Alan and their two girls, Amelia, aged three, and Emily Rose, who is 19 months.

Harper’s mum Tina, said: “I’m really proud of her for thinking this up and going through with it all.

“Everybody was standing outside cheering and that spurred her on.

“I think she was really emotional, she ran straight for Sam.”

Although they still need to be careful, the lifting of restrictions meant that Harper could give Sam a proper hug.

Tina said: “She didn’t actually see Sam til the day of the cycle. That was the first time she was able to give her a cuddle and she just ran to her.”

Harper’s older sister Elle, 15, has been organising raffles to help with the fundraising.

The girls’ mum said she is very proud of how both of her daughters have helped.

She said: “We’ve been really fortunate that so many local businesses and people have helped, donating prizes. Everybody just loves Sam, so everybody was happy to help.”

Sam previously told the Times: “I am beyond speechless and proud of them all especially my wee Harper.”

A fundraiser set up by Sam’s friend, Steph Grayston, has raised almost £6,500.

Steph said: “Sam and I have been best friends since primary school, we’re more like sisters.

“The news was devastating for everyone. He mum and Alan have had to stay at home to look after her.

“I’m overwhelmed by the donations. It shows how much everyone loves Sam. She is the best and she has always been there for me.”

Sam said what has happened hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but she wants to thank every single person who has contributed and sent messages of support.

You can support Sam and her family by donating to the fundraiser here.