Scots cyclist Mark Beaumont recreates around-the-world challenge from his living room for NHS charities

Record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont hopes people across the country will join him in getting on his bike for a charity fundraiser.

Edinburgh-based Beaumont, who is the fastest man to ever circumnavigate the globe by bicycle, leads a ‘virtual peloton’ from his living room every Thursday, replicating a day-in-the-life of his globe-trotting expedition.

More than 400 people have already joined him on his challenge, which has so far travelled the equivalent of twice around the world, 36,000 miles, on their home trainers.

In just two weeks, they’ve raised £167,000  – £125,000 more than Beaumont’s original target of £25,000.

On Thursday, Beaumont will once again pedal 240 miles on his turbo trainer, with the likes of Paralympians Steve Bate MBE and Mel Nicholls, as well as female round-the-world record holder Jenny Graham joining him.

Others who’ve taken part have chosen to run a mile in their back garden or row 20 miles in their kitchen. Some have also cycled with Mark for the entirety of his epic 240 mile ride.

Beaumont now hopes to step up the challenge a gear, saying: “Initially, the plan was for 80 cyclists to come together each Thursday to travel 18,000 miles on their indoor bikes.

“But after week one, it was immediately clear that so many more people wanted to get involved.

“The response has been overwhelming. Last week we had not only hundreds of cyclists taking part, but 150 rowers at home, putting a shift in for the charity.

“Now, I am inviting anyone with a home trainer to join the ride, be inspired by the online community involved and #donateyourmiles for NHS staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients.

“I truly believe we can go Around the World twice in One Day. Take part this Thursday, or any Thursday during lockdown.”

Last week, 150 rowers led by Ocean adventurer John “Mad Giraffe” Davidson covered a combined 3,000 miles, the same distance as crossing the Atlantic.

More than 3,518 people have donated so far – including former Motherwell chairman Les Hutchison who generously match-funded the first £50,000 raised.

Ellie Orton, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “I’m really humbled by all the efforts from cyclists across the country to raise money for our appeal through the World in a Day challenge, and to Mark Beaumont for putting the hours in on the saddle to support it.

“This is a phenomenal amount to raise so far, and hopefully worth all the sweat and strain. That money will help NHS charities do even more to support staff, volunteers and patients as they continue to battle the Covid crisis.”

The goals of World in a Day are to build a community of thousands across the UK coming together every Thursday during lockdown to put in a big shift for frontline healthcare workers, and to help the physical and mental wellbeing for those involved.

Around the World in One Day will continue for the duration of lockdown. To register, visit worldinaday.com and keep-up with what’s happening @worldin1day across social media.