Proud Gosport fire cadet cycles 224 miles in one month to raise £800 for Queen Alexandra Hospital

Nathan Anderson, 14, will complete his challenge on Monday, when he will have accomplished 224 miles of cycling - eight miles each day - to help Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

Despite two punctures along the way, the cycling challenge has gone very well and Nathan is happy knowing he can give something back to key workers.

The Brune Park student is a proud member of Gosport fire cadets, which was set up last year for keen youngsters aged 13 to 17, and he wanted to represent his unit while taking on the fundraiser.

As well as learning first aid, making new friends and using real service equipment, at the end of his time as a cadet Nathan will get a BTEC Level 2 in Fire and Rescue Service in the Community, which will help him achieve his dream of working in the emergency services.

Nathan hopes to be able to hand over his final amount raised from the cycling fundraiser to the Cosham hospital in person at some point, wearing his fire cadet uniform.

He has already raised more than £800 thanks to friends, family and his school teachers who have supported his efforts through online and cash donations.

The aspiring firefighter said: ‘I was not expecting that much. My target was £1,000 but I didn’t think I would get near that amount.

‘Even if my money goes to one little thing I will be happy about that - I think the NHS is doing an amazing job at the moment and I want to give something back.’

Mum Tracey is very proud of her son’s achievements, especially as it has been tough because he has been unable to see his friends during lockdown.

Tracey said: ‘[Cadets] is like his second family, they’re so good to him and he absolutely loves it. He’s so dedicated to it, he’s never missed a lesson.

‘I didn’t think he would get this much and he might even get to £1,000.’

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nhsbikerdebynathan or visit hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/children-and-young-people/fire-cadets to learn about fire cadets.

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