Latest charity challenge for Bedhampton cyclist, 10, will raise funds to help the homeless

Tackling a distance of 107km (65 miles) this Sunday, 10-year-old Evan Mitchell will work hard to raise hundreds of pounds for homelessness charity Crisis.

This follows the Bedhampton youngster’s last cycling challenge in November, which raised around £550 for Children in Need.

Evan, who has already raised around £200, said: ‘I decided I wanted to do more bike rides for charity after I finish my Children in Need ride so I could help more people. I know charities are struggling this year and want to help.

‘I really like riding and thought I could push myself to do really hard and long rides and raise money at the same time.’

The family usually donates hats, gloves and scarves for homeless people around this time of year, however Evan wanted to take it one step further.

He said: ‘Because we always donate to homeless people at Christmas I wanted to see if I could do a really hard bike ride to raise even more money for them.

‘It makes me sad to think of people struggling in the cold on their own at Christmas and hope I can help with the Crisis gifts.’

His cycling route features more than 1,700m climbing (5,577ft) and will take around five hours to complete.

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Proud mum Amy said: ‘We have taken it on as a family. Although it’s Evan doing the bike ride, it’s allowing us to teach the kids about people less fortunate than us.

‘He’s on the bike five or six times a week and he doesn’t miss a training session. We’re massively proud of him for the sheer commitment he puts into training. He fully understands the commitment and sticks with it.’

Evan, who would love to become a triathlete, added: ‘I'm hoping next year I can support more charities with more bike rides and even try to do some triathletic sponsored activities to push myself even more.’

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/evan-mitchell1 to donate to Evan's cause or go to facebook.com/groups/411668916872344 for updates on his challenge.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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