Comedian Richard Herring joined hospital staff for a 12-hour fundraising "Spinathon" at Lister Hospital to raise money for a new children's unit.

The comedian, writer and podcaster took part in the challenge on Friday (11 September) in support of the Children's Big Build appeal.

Herring, a former Taskmaster champion who is appearing on Channel 4's The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down, cycled alongside members of Lister's paediatric team and staff from RISE Gym in Stevenage, which provided bikes for the event.

The cause has a particularly personal connection for Herring, who was treated for testicular cancer at Lister Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in 2021.

He subsequently raised £30,000 to thank staff for his care by completing the Knebworth Half Marathon just nine months after his treatment.

In June this year, Herring announced that he had been diagnosed with incurable but treatable hairy cell leukaemia, a rare form of blood cancer, and has received further treatment at Lister.

He said: "I've been treated twice now for cancer at Lister Hospital and had excellent care so I wanted to thank them by joining in the Spinathon to support the Children's Big Build appeal.

"It would be so much better for children who do have to spend time in hospital to do so in nice, comfortable surroundings so we should all support this appeal to make it happen."

The Spinathon was organised by Jo Biggs, acute paediatric and neonatal service coordinator, alongside East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity.

The charity launched its Children's Big Build appeal earlier this year to raise money to enhance the new children's unit at Lister Hospital.

Jo was inspired to organise the fundraiser after spending three days at the hospital with her own son.

She said: "The care we received from the incredible staff was outstanding, so I wanted to say thank you and support the Children's Big Build.

"We decided to hold a 12-hour Spinathon – the same length as a nurse's shift – to raise funds to help create a magical, state-of-the-art centre of excellence.

"Thank you to everyone who took part or supported us. We are incredibly grateful."

The event raised more than £1,200 for the appeal.

Claire Adams, community fundraiser at East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, said: "A special thank you to Richard Herring for taking part, especially so soon after his recent treatment. It meant a lot to everyone to have him come along."

The charity also thanked RISE Gym for providing the bikes and Minnie, the appeal's "Ambassadog", and her owner Adem for supporting the event.

Donations to the Spinathon can still be made through the Children's Big Build fundraising campaign.

You can still support the Spinathon by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/cbbspin.