A 10-year-old from Peterborough has raised more than £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Hospice in Peterborough.

John Robinson, has completed an incredible 50-mile cycle for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice. He was inspired to take on the feat after watching his father jump on the saddle for the London Essex 100 Challenge.  

John decided to raise funds for Sue Ryder in memory of his uncle, John Montgomery, who he was named after.  

The youngster’s uncle was 37 when he died in 2009 and spent his final days being cared for at Thorpe Hall, which provides expert and compassionate palliative care to people with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families. 

John had been aiming to raise a total of £900 but has smashed his target by reaching £1081.25 to date.   

John started the challenge on September 2, starting from his home and finishing at The Sue Ryder Kings Lynn Furniture Outlet.

He was joined by his dad Paul, who has completed cycling challenges for Sue Ryder before, and their neighbour Chris. Stopping briefly at the Sue Ryder shop in Eye, near Peterborough, then again at Sutton Bridge, before completing the final leg of the journey into Kings Lynn.   

 John, who also describes himself an x-box gamer when not at school, explains why he chose to support Sue Ryder: “I like Sue Ryder because the staff are good people and help make sick loved ones more comfortable at the end of their lives in calm surroundings.

"Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice did an excellent job caring for Uncle John, my mummy’s brother, then supporting my mummy after Uncle John died.” 

When asked about the highlights of his cycle, John added: “It had to be when my mummy gave me a hug at the Sutton bridge after a very challenging 35 miles, and again when I arrived at the finish line.

"I also loved cycling across the bridge from West Lynn into Kings Lynn. I was very excited to count down the last 15 miles and cross the finish line at the Sue Ryder Kings Lynn Furniture Shop.”  

John spent his summer holiday preparing for his epic cycling challenge, racking up more than 300 miles worth of training before the event day. 

He hopes next year's challenge will see him take on 75 miles to Hunstanton while his dad, Paul, is planning another Ride London 100 next year with neighbour, Chris.  

Cheyenne Smith, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We are blown away by what John has achieved – to cycle 50 miles is a huge feat for anyone, let alone someone of his age.

"His donation of £1,081.25 will help Sue Ryder continue to be there when it matters for families going through the most difficult times of their lives.”  

If you would like to donate to John’s fundraising page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-pauls-pbo2klsr-02092023   

 If you are interested in taking on your own fundraising challenge for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit: sueryder.org/events to learn more.