Sheffield United fan keeps promise to cycle to every Premier League ground

After witnessing a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Gillingham on the opening day of the 2015-16 season, Sheffield United supporter James Kemp made a promise to his son.

Convinced years of struggle in the third tier lay ahead, James committed to cycling to every away fixture should Sheffield United ever return to the promised land of the Premier League.

James, 52, of Apperknowle, said: “I said ‘that’s it. We are never going to get back to the Premier League and if we do, I’ll cycle to every match’. Me and my big mouth.”

Five years on, James has kept his word.

His challenge saw him cycling a gruelling 3,000 miles and ascending 130,000 ft in total. He decided to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity at the same time.

James’ first cycle of the season would prove his longest, taking 21 hours until he reached the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

He continued: “I’d often feel cold, wet and miserable on the journeys. I’d then think of what the young patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and their families go through and I didn’t feel like that anymore. I knew I had to carry on.”

James continued his challenge even when games were played behind closed doors with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Following the restart, he cycled to seven further grounds before heading straight home.

Throughout the season, he has been raising money for The Children’s Hospital Charity’s appeal to transform the cancer and leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The appeal will expand the ward, with more space for treatment and to play with a separate area for teenagers.

James added: “Hopefully the fundraising and the new ward will bring an environment which can make them smile and make life a little easier for their parents.

"I’d just like to say a huge thank you to the Sheffield United fans, who have been brilliant in their support for me and to everyone who has donated.”

Lucy Rathbone, regional fundraising officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s been really moving to follow James’ progress across the season as he cycled across the country, following his beloved Blades, for the young patients at Sheffield Children’s.

“It would have been easy for him to have ended his challenge once the season was suspended by the coronavirus pandemic, but that’s not who James is. We’re so thankful for his incredible perseverance and the amazing total he has raised. Enjoy your rest James.”

A book will also be published detailing James’ journey throughout the season. Due for release in October, it will be available for £10 from Amazon and direct from Bannister Publications in Chesterfield.

The production cost has been funded by James himself and he hopes it will add to his fundraising total.

Support James’ fundraising at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-kemp1889.