Eight-year-old’s 20-day cycle to help Northampton Hope Centre as homeless people ‘should be safe during lockdown too’

A young boy who wants everyone to be able to lockdown somewhere safe is raising money for Northampton Hope Centre by taking on a cycling challenge.

Aidan Hoedemaker has recently learnt to ride his bike during lockdown, so is now putting his new skill to good use.

The eight-year-old wants to help those who have not got somewhere to call home during this crisis, so is raising money for a local homelessness charity.

Aidan, who lives in Abington with his family, said: “I wanted to help because these people are homeless when they should be in lockdown.”

Lorraine, Aidan’s mum, added: “When we go to town, he sees homeless people and he asks questions about why they are there.

“We tell him they haven’t got homes and I think he just wants to give something back.

“He wants to raise some money so that people have some food and a place to sleep.”

Aidan started his 20-day cycle on Saturday (April 18).

He is aiming to bike a total of 40km by the end of the challenge, with a minimum of 2km each day.

The cycle will end on May 7, Aidan’s ninth birthday, when he will finish off his fundraising by doing a camp out in his garden.

“Aidan wanted to do something more challenging and as he’s only just learnt to ride his bike this is a lot,” Lorraine continued.

“He does do his daily cycle with all of us including his younger brother or sometimes just me or my husband.

“Aidan is very happy that he is doing something meaningful during lockdown and helping others. We are very proud of him for giving something back.”

The selfless youngster added that he does not like having to cycle uphill, but says he will feel ‘good and happy’ when he completes the challenge.

Aidan has already managed to raise £70 for the Hope Centre, but hopes to raise at least £100.

Donations are being collected on his JustGiving page where he is also posting regular updates from his challenge.

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