Watch James, 9, complete a 12-hour cycle in his kitchen to raise funds for the homeless

James with his sister Elise and his brother Benjamin after completing the cycle.

A nine-year-old boy from Clontarf in Dublin has raised €2,852 for the Peter McVerry Trust.

James Cunningham completed his 12-hour virtual cycle over two days, topping his original 200 kilometre target to reach 256 kilometres.

The funds will go to the charity to help those affected by homelessness particularly during Covid-19.

He started his challenge yesterday and cycled 134km in the first six hours, tracking all of his progress on Strava and racing through a virtual riding platform connected to a large screen in his kitchen.

James wasn't on his own as he had terrific support from his family, his proud parents, Fiona and Keith, big sister Elise (aged 12) and his six-year-old brother Benjamin.

James with his sister Elise and his brother Benjamin after completing the cycle.

James said: “I had been thinking about people living without homes and wondering where they were going to go during the coronavirus and who was going to look after them with social distancing.

"It was playing on my mind so I spoke to my parents and asked them if I could ride my bike to raise money for charity. We agreed it was a good idea so I started training on my dad’s home turbo trainer and we agreed the charity and my target.

James with his sister Elise and his brother Benjamin after completing the cycle.

"I didn’t think I would go over the 200km so I am really proud of myself. I really enjoyed it and all my friends and family were brilliant supporting me with messages and videos all the way.

My brother and sister were feeding me drinks and making homemade energy snacks.

"We even had a music set list each day and I got to pick the music. It has definitely made me think about helping people in need and I’d really like to do this again.”