Chesterfield cyclist's 24-hour challenge raises more than £7,000 for urgent hospice appeal

Zach Law responded to Ashgate Hospice’s urgent appeal for funds by being sponsored to keep his peddles turning for 24 hours, stopping only for toilet breaks, and clocking up nearly 300 virtual miles without leaving his home.

The 34-year-old’s efforts brought together the community as he live-streamed the event via YouTube and was joined throughout by a host of his friends and family.

Zach, of Greenbank Drive, Ashgate, said: “When I set off with this crazy idea I hoped to raise £800, so to raise over £7,400 is absolutely phenomenal.

“Thank you to all my friends and family for the support, and to each and every one who donated to such a worthy cause.

“It was a very tough challenge but rewarding to see what was achieved by people pulling together.”

Zach’s fundraising total was made more remarkable as he only launched his appeal just over a week before the ride.

He did so having been moved by the plight of Ashgate Hospice, which has seen fundraising sources decimated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic at a time when its services have never been in greater need.

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

“I think it tells all we need to know how about highly their services are valued by the willingness of people to pledge sponsorship at a time when many are facing such uncertainty themselves during the ongoing pandemic.

“The head nurse from Ashgate sent me a message when I was just two hours from the end of the ride telling me what a difference the money would make to vital services. At that point I just couldn’t hold it together and I burst into tears on my bike.”

Zach’s fundraising page remains open and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/Zach-Law2.