A BIKER slept outside in temperatures as low as -3 degrees C to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

Brampton man Andy Marshall, 34, member of the newly-created Silloth and west Cumbria branch of Devil’s Disciple, decided he needed to think outside of the box to continue fundraising.

The motorbike group raises funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service as it is a cause close to the hearts of its members.

“A lot of our group have been airlifted in crashes and so we raise money for the charity,” explained Andy.

“Everyone couldn’t do anything so we wanted to do something in the rules to make them some money.

“We wanted to do something for the charity without breaking any Covid rules.”

The group normally takes part in fundraisers such as motorbike rallies, raffles and charity waxes throughout the year, but coronavirus restrictions meant this had not been possible.

From 2.30pm on Monday until just before 6am the following day, Andy camped outside House of Fraser in Carlisle wrapped up in his sleeping bag in temperatures as low as -3 degrees.

“I had about 20 minutes sleep and that wasn’t really a sleep, my eyes just shut. There were a lot of young kids cycling about, even at 3am along the high street,” said Andy.

“It was very cold. I had about eight layers on and I didn’t want to get out of my sleeping bag much. It is probably one of the coldest I have ever been.”

Andy has smashed his fundraising target having originally set one of £200. On Friday he had raised more than £1,100.

“It is fantastic,” continued Andy.

“All of us in the club are massively overwhelmed. When we usually do events like rallies we raise about £300 to £400 so this has been very rewarding.”

In the aftermath of the fundraiser Andy was struck down by flu symptoms for three days as his body recovered from the cold.

Despite the challenges he said the response and support had made it all worthwhile. He has a message for anyone that has supported him.

“Thank you for all the donations, it has been great,” he explained.

“We also had some people who couldn’t donate but shared the post to friends who may have donated, so a massive thank you to everyone for the support.”

To donate, go to www.facebook.com/donate/324706538584954