A Lister Hospital consultant has raised almost £4,000 after taking on a series of gruelling cycling challenges to help transform healthcare for children across Hertfordshire.

Dr Anshoo Dhelaria, a paediatric consultant at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, has completed several long-distance bike rides in support of the Children's Big Build appeal.

The fundraising campaign, launched earlier this year by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, aims to transform a new children's unit at Lister Hospital, with construction planned for 2027.

Dr Dhelaria's latest challenge saw her complete the 50-mile Palace to Palace cycling event, which started at Buckingham Palace, passed Hampton Court Palace and finished at Battersea Park in London.

She previously completed the London to Brighton and London to Southend bike rides, as well as taking part in Lister Hospital's 12-hour Spinathon in September, where she cycled non-stop for 90 minutes.

Having worked at Lister Hospital for more than 16 years, Dr Dhelaria said she was determined to support a project that would make a lasting difference to young patients and their families.

She said: "Having served as a paediatric consultant at Lister Hospital for over 16 years, I have witnessed first-hand the impact of compassionate care provided by the hospital and my team.

"The Children's Big Build appeal represents hope and progress. The new unit will be a thoughtfully created, modern environment for delivering the great care that the children's team provides every day.

"It will be a centre of excellence designed around the needs of children of all ages and their families."

The planned unit will also include modern education, training and wellbeing facilities for hospital staff.

Dr Dhelaria added: "This project is vital not only for our patients, families and community but also for staff welfare. The planned state-of-the-art education, training and wellbeing facilities will help ensure staff continue to provide the safest and highest quality care."

Eloise Huddleston, director of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, praised the consultant's dedication.

She said: "We can't thank Anshoo enough for her amazing support. She cares for poorly children every day and knows what a difference this new unit will make to them and their families.

"It's wonderful that she has got behind this appeal that will transform healthcare for local children."

With almost £4,000 already raised, Dr Dhelaria is now hoping to reach her £5,000 fundraising target.

Eloise added: "Anshoo has raised an incredible amount, but it would mean a lot to her if she could reach her £5,000 target."

Hitchin residents wishing to support Dr Dhelaria's fundraising efforts can donate at her JustGiving-style fundraising page⁠.