Derbyshire cyclist plans to clock up at least 400 miles in 24-hour charity ride - without heaving his home

Zach Law has been moved by the plight of Ashgate Hospice which has seen fund-raising sources decimated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when its services have never been in greater need.

At 9am on Friday, April 24, Zach will take to the saddle of his bike and keep its peddles turning until the same time the following day – stopping only for toilet breaks.

He expects to clock between 400-500 miles using his turbo trainer – a device which replicates outdoor road conditions – climbing a height greater than Mount Everest in the process.

And Zach will be using the Zwift online cycling platform so friends and supporters can join him on his virtual journey.

Zach, 34, of Greenbank Drive, Ashgate, said: “The outstanding work done by Ashgate Hospice is vital to support families during the most challenging and traumatic of times.

“The hospice relies heavily on fund-raising through its coffee shops, charity shops and outdoor fund-raising done by thousands of people each year. With that all but wiped out during the on-going pandemic the hospice has launched an urgent appeal for funds and I want to do my bit.

“Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas has done three 12-hour indoor shifts to raise money for the NHS. I might be mad, but I saw that and thought I’d go for 24 hours straight!

“I’m sure I’ll be sore at the end of it, but it will be a small sacrifice to make for such a worthy cause, when people are putting their lives at risk in so many key worker roles to care for others.”

During the challenge, Zach will need to consume around 450 calories an hour and plans to do this by eating a mix of sandwiches, bananas, rice cakes, peanut butter, gels, carbohydrate drinks and sugary sweets.

To sponsor Zach, click here.

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