Bedhampton cyclist, 9, set to take on 74km bike challenge to raise funds for Children in Need

Keen fundraiser Evan Mitchell, nine, is raising hundreds for the well-known charity by taking on a 74km cycle which will see him climb more than 1,333ft in under three hours on November 1.

This kind gesture does not come as a surprise to Evan’s parents, as he has been raising funds for Children in Need for four years through various cycling challenges.

This tough task comes as the latest installment of the Bedhampton youngster’s annual efforts for Children in Need, and it is his biggest challenge yet.

Evan, who has gained some well-deserved recognition on the charity’s website, said: ‘I love raising money for Children in Need as it's always fun and you're also getting to help lots of people at the same time.

‘I chose a really long route to do with lots of climbing because I wanted to do something really big as I was hoping I could raise more money by doing something that was a huge challenge for me.’

More than six weeks of training have led to Evan taking on cycling time trials with his bike-mad dad Greg and his friends, racing at an adult level.

Mum Amy is proud of Evan’s hard work and dedication to taking on this challenge, which was ramped up this year after he saw the effects of the pandemic on families.

SEE ALSO: Plea for keen knitters to create and donate woollen items to help people with dementia

Amy said: ‘He had seen on the news how the lack of social care because of everything being shut down was affecting people. He’s quite sensitive so he took it on board and thought he needed to do something to help.

‘He raises money for Children in Need every year but he’s really upped his game this year. He’s taking his training really seriously and he’s really gone for it.

‘He has smashed it every step of the way. I’m super proud of him, he’s way beyond his nine years. He’s a kid with a good heart.’

Evan started with a target of £100 but very quickly beat that and is currently on more than £300, with hopes to raise as much as he can through the challenge.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-mitchell26 to donate towards Evan’s fundraising.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.