An Alsager man is cycling 4,000 kilometres within seven days for sick children in hospital – and he's not even leaving his home!

Brave John Walkley is cycling virtually on Zwift using an indoor Smart trainer and he will see the New Year in on his bike.

The 45-year-old, from Hall Drive, is hoping to raise £5,000 for the play team at the Children's Hospital at the Royal Stoke, cycling 16 – 18 hours a day.

John's youngest son, Edison, 12, who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease earlier this year has spent various times in hospital dealing with his illness.

"This is the hardest thing I've ever done and I still don't know if I can do it yet. It's tough but I keep going.

"My son, Edison, has been extremely ill since February this year, and it has been a very challenging time for him, both physically and emotionally.

Edison with mum Johanna

"The Children's Hospital at Stoke has been instrumental in helping him through this by providing not only essential medical care, but by supporting us as a family and helping Edison cope with anxiety about medical procedures and dealing with his long-term illness.

"When things have got especially tough, they have swooped in with interactive play, art therapy, surprise Lego drops, fidget toys, raising his spirits and improving his well-being, time and time again."

John has set up a virtual cycling room in a bedroom and has a live stream to enable people to watch him cycling. He only leaves the bike to go to the toilet, change clothing or to sleep.

"I'm also trying to beat two world records two. I'm so grateful for all the support from friends and family and others who are helping me along the way."

John, who began on Wednesday morning, has set up a JustGiving page for people to make donations https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/john-walkley?utm_term=RXrwKxeVY and is being supported by his wife and children Edison and Ashton.    

"We're so proud of what John is doing. He's an amazing man and wanted to give something back to the team who have helped our son. They have been so wonderful with Edison."

John is eating lots of potato-based food, fruit, vegetables and drinking coffee while on the bike – all provided by his wife, Johanna and children Edison and Ashton. 

"I was planning to sleep around five hours a night but on Wednesday night I only got two hours. My body was just so wired up."

Other 'virtual' riders are joining John along the way and he is averaging around 37 km an hour

Money raised will be used to buy toys and equipment to allow the Children's Hospital to continue their work in helping other children lift their spirits through play and making a bad time better.