A FIVE-YEAR-OLD football fan has completed his 100 kilometre cycling challenge.

And Lincoln Callaghan has surpassed all expectations along the way, raising more than £2,250 for Didcot Town.

The BetVictor Southern League club launched a survival appeal last month to raise £10,000 after their revenue streams were cut off by the coronavirus lockdown.

And Lincoln is on the way to raising a quarter of that on his own, after his exploits caught the imagination.

He has been featured in newspapers and on radio and television.

Father Chris, who came up with the idea, has been stunned by the response.

“We didn’t expect any of it,” he said.

“I don’t think Lincoln really understands what’s been going on, he’s just been out enjoying riding his bike.

“Our target is £2,500, but that figure was just something I pulled out of thin air – I didn’t think he would get anywhere near it to be honest.”

Lincoln covered the distance across eight rides over a fortnight, finishing with a lap of the pitch at the club’s Loop Meadow stadium.

There he was presented with a trophy, while the club plan to make him a mascot when football returns and arrange a signed shirt.

John Bailey, Town’s chairman, said: “We are absolutely chuffed to bits with it.

“It’s quite amazing. Where they got the idea from I don’t know, but Chris had thought it all out and got it sorted.

“The club is absolutely over the moon with it. We are very proud to have them as supporters.”

The family only moved to the area last year, but have been quick to adopt the

Railwaymen.

Chris said: “It’s brought a bit of a feelgood factor back to the club.

“Even though no-one has been going there, people are talking about the club.

“Hopefully it can kick-start some more positive things.”

Didcot’s own fundraising page stands at more than £4,500, which has helped ease the strains on the club.

They are cautiously looking ahead to the future now, although until restrictions are eased it is difficult to plan.

Bailey said: “It’s a very uncertain time and we’re not the only ones in this situation.

“Hopefully other clubs will get through it as well.

“I would love to think we would be back playing in the summer, but I also see the current situation going on for a few more weeks.”

Visit gofundme.com/f/1z589n00uo to donate, with Lincoln’s fundraising page due to stay active for the rest of the week.