Record-breaker Mark Beaumont gets on his bike to raise £167,000 for NHS

Round-the-world cyclist’s sessions joined by hundreds at home each week
Cyclist Mark Beaumont on the turbo trainer in his living room.Cyclist Mark Beaumont on the turbo trainer in his living room.
Cyclist Mark Beaumont on the turbo trainer in his living room.

Record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont has been replicating a day of his fastest-ever circumnavigation of the globe in his house on Thursdays during lockdown to raise money for NHS charities.

More than 400 people have already joined his “virtual peloton” which has so far travelled 36,000 miles the equivalent of almost twice around the world – on their home trainers.

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

This Thursday, Beaumont will once again cycle 240 miles on a turbo trainer in his living room in Edinburgh. Among those who will be joining him are Paralympians Steve Bate MBE and Mel Nicholls, and female round-the-world record holder Jenny Graham.

Others who have taken part have done everything from run a mile in their back garden to rowing 20 miles in their kitchen to cycling with Mark for the entirety of his 240-mile ride.

Now, Beaumont wants to step the charity effort up a gear. He said: “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,” added Beaumont.

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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 FC owner 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 Beaumont’s World in a Day are to build a community of thousands across the UK coming together every Thursday during lockdown 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.

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