5 weeks today (midnight, Sat 2nd July) I will once again set out on the Lakeland Trails 110k Ultra race from Ambleside. I completed the race last year, proud to do so in memory of Alisha Bartolini (18), raising £2500 for Meningitis Now.

Unfortunately, I now find myself raising funds for another cause (Child Death Helpline) in memory of another tragic young life lost; Iestyn Keir (12).

Iestyn was a past pupil, but also the eldest son of Carrie, a TA at our school. I taught him on several occasions whilst he was in Y2 (aged 7) and secretly admired his 'laid-back' attitude! I am reliably informed that he had this 'horizontal' attitude to all aspects of life! All aspects except one, that is: cycling.

Iestyn quickly became an excellent cyclist. Anything he lacked in natural athleticism, he made up for with raw enthusiasm and determination. He and his Dad, Rob, were rarely home at weekends - participating or racing all over the place, latterly with Mossley RCT.

Iestyn and I shared a passion for Pro Tour cycling and we would sit after school and dissect the latest Grand Tour stage and (hopefully!) another win for his hero, Mark Cavendish. Mostly though, I loved listening to his own racing exploits, even though he was so modest I usually had to get the details from Mum!

He represented school at triathlon and, without fuss or fanfair, he finished 3rd in Wigan - beaten only by 2 boys who have a pool at their school!

In September Iestyn moved onto High School but we still got to discuss the Vuelta while he waited for Mum and little sister, Tegan.

One Sunday in October he took part in a bike race and complained of feeling unwell on the way home. By evening he was on life support. He died early the next day.

As a parent, I cannot comprehend such a chain of events. Child Death Helpline has been a source of great support to Iestyn's family in the darkest of days. Reason enough for our support, however small.

Iestyn, this one's for you.
#110kforIestyn