‘Blade on a bike’ close to completing unique feat begun before coronavirus crisis

James Kemp, 51, set himself the goal at the beginning of the season after vowing to ride to every away ground if Sheffield United ever got back into the Premier League.

However, after the coronavirus crisis brought all football to an end in March, James got a three-month break before starting his cycling again in June, albeit this time without the pleasure of seeing the Blades play at each ground.

Speaking last year, James, who lives in Apperknowle, said he originally made the commitment after seeing United suffer a chastening 4-0 defeat on the first day of the 2015-2016 season at Gillingham.

At the time, the prospect of top-flight football seemed a world away, but - thanks to Chris Wilder’s astonishing transformation of the club - he had to come good on his long-standing commitment this season, the Blades’ first in the Premier League in 12 years.

The overall journey has seen him travel 3,500 miles in total, more than one and a half times the distance of the Tour De France.

The furthest distances James has travelled have all been to fixtures on the south coast, including Bournemouth for the club’s first away game in August, Brighton the Saturday before Christmas and Southampton this Sunday.

Lucy Rathbone, regional fundraiser at the Children's Hospital Charity, said: "From the very first match of the season, we've been in awe of the effort James has put in to support Sheffield Children's Hospital. It is even more impressive given in recent weeks the coronavirus pandemic has left him unable to watch the very matches he is riding to.

“Yet James remained steadfast in his commitment to finishing his challenge. His dedication to helping young patients from across our region is nothing short of remarkable and we wish him all the best in his final ride - thank you for a special season James!”

To help James get to £10,000, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-kemp1889.