An intrepid Hitchin teenager has cycled 200 miles to south Kent to raise money for his Scout group.

Zach Le Coze initially undertook the four-day challenge to fund a school trip to Costa Rica.

However, once the 14-year-old had achieved this goal, he decided to raise funds for 3rd Hitchin Scouts instead.

The Comet: MP Bim Afolami encouraged Zach with his fundraising efforts.MP Bim Afolami encouraged Zach with his fundraising efforts. (Image: Liz Le Coze)

So far, the teenager has raised £1,230, with £540 going towards the school trip.

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Along his trip to Folkestone, Zach and his dad stayed in three different Schout Huts  - Old Windsor, Horsham, and Bexhill - where he gave a presentation to the Scouts in return for their "wonderful hospitality".

The Comet: 3rd Hitchin Scouts and Walsworth Road Baptist Church waved Zach and his Dad off on Day 1 of their challenge. 3rd Hitchin Scouts and Walsworth Road Baptist Church waved Zach and his Dad off on Day 1 of their challenge. (Image: Liz Le Coze)

Zach said: "The longest ride I had ever done until two months ago was about 10 miles, so I was probably crazy to think I could cycle 200 miles from Hitchin to Folkestone!

                                                                                            

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"However, I really wanted to raise funds for the 3rd Hitchin Scouts, an organisation where I made so many great memories and that does so much for young people. 

The Comet: Zach with members of 9th Bexhill Scouts and the Mayor of Bexhill. Zach with members of 9th Bexhill Scouts and the Mayor of Bexhill. (Image: Liz Le Coze)

"I am so chuffed to have completed the ride!

"My dad and I cycled 200 miles over four days, over 20 hours on our bikes.

The Comet: Zach and his dad at the finish line in Folkestone.Zach and his dad at the finish line in Folkestone. (Image: Liz Le Coze)

"We’ve consumed numerous bananas and protein bars and definitely created memories for life!

"There were times when we both wanted to give up and on the third day especially the weather conditions made it nearly impossible to continue, but we persevered and pushed through, with an occasional hot chocolate helping us along the way!”

The Comet: Zach celebrating the end of his 200-mile ride outside the retirement home of Baden-Powell (the founder of Scouting). Zach celebrating the end of his 200-mile ride outside the retirement home of Baden-Powell (the founder of Scouting). (Image: Liz Le Coze)

Zach has graduated from Scouts, and is now an Explorer.

He has recently begun work oh his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is "looking forward to more challenges to come".

To donate to Zach Le Coze's GoFundMe page, go to https://gofund.me/84895386