Sheffield United fan sets sights on remarkable Championship marathon after completing epic Germany challenge
The Sheffield United supporter cycled from Bramall Lane to Bochum to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity's £1.85m scanner appeal – and after arriving in time for the Blades' final pre-season friendly, he's already planning an even bigger challenge.
As he touched down at Bochum’s Vonovia Ruhrstadion and posed proudly with a Weston Park flag around his neck, James Kemp was asked by a bemused home fan about his remarkable bike ride all the way from Sheffield. “It wasn’t that bad,” he replied. “I was sat down the whole way!”
He could joke by that point but his latest fundraising trek was no laughing matter, arriving just a few hours before his side Sheffield United’s goalless draw with the German second-tier side.
His journey began at Bramall Lane on Monday and ended on Saturday, before he took in a well-earned rest by flying back to England. Not for long, though; he is cycling to each United away game this season, and the first two are at Swansea City and Cardiff City.
“I'm none the wiser, am I, with age!” smiled Kemp as he explained the idea after arriving at Bochum. “But my partner Sarah’s stepdad is in Weston Park and when I saw the feeling behind Chris Basham’s testimonial, I thought I had unfinished business.
“The last time I cycled to each game for a whole season, it was when Covid hit. So although I did them all, I still feel a little bit like I need to do them all again. And then when I went to Weston Park and saw all the young people in there, it just staggered me.
“All the support has been great, honestly. In person, all the comments on social media. People don't realise how much it does help, in getting the legs going. I've been in a lot of pain, on Friday I was in a lot of pain. But I think of the people in Weston Park and the pain eases a bit.”
Kemp’s fundraising effort is in aid of Weston Park’s scanner appeal, which needs to raise £1.85m for a breakthrough cancer scanner to keep helping cancer patients and their families all around the region.
At the time of writing the Bochum challenge had topped up the total by nearly £6,000. “Thanks to everyone up to now who's donated,” Kemp added, “and just keep them coming.”
For more information, or to donate, visit https://wpcc-register-fundraiser.raiselysite.com/james-kemp.