As you may remember, I had previously booked a cycle tour from Lands End to John O Groats (LEJOG) as my planned challenge for July 2020.

The year did not turn out as any of us expected and so my cycle tour was cancelled for obvious reasons. I decided to push the challenge forward to July 2021 and am now intending to take part in the ride during the last week of the school year and the first week of the summer holidays. (10th July – 24th July) I will be accompanied by Jess Lechner who is a parent, a Governor, and the Coordinator of the Red Balloon Learning Centre in Cambridge. She will be riding to raise money for her school. At time of writing, the ride is still going ahead.

My intention had been to make this a huge fund-raising effort to start gathering funds for a running track around the outside of the school field. However, after such a difficult year where many people have had such unpredictable employment, I do not feel that this is appropriate. The field is also in no condition to even start thinking about a track and so I feel that a much more immediate project would be far more suitable.

I would still like to raise funds but with a less ambitious target and in a way that involves all the children in school. The target will still be based outside. I would like us to create a truly inclusive and broad provision outside. This will include equipment for exercise, creation of music and places for reflection. The money may also support the creation of a garden in memory of Mrs Rabbett. 

This is the route that I will be following over 14 days of cycling. It will involve an average of about 75 miles per day and will cover approximately 1090 miles.

It feels very ambitious for an inexperienced cyclist like myself and considering that my training has been hampered greatly by the COVID issues, I honestly feel quite nervous about the prospect…especially the hills. However, my plan involving the children will mean that even if I do not finish, or the trip is cancelled, the children will still be able to complete their challenge.
Initially, I am going to use the route as the basis for our assemblies in the Summer term. It is a fabulous opportunity to show the landscape features and landmarks across parts of the UK. During the first week of the ride, when the children are still in school, I will report back to school daily and share the scenery in short videos. The ride will hopefully continue into the first week of the holidays and I will report back at the start of the new academic year 2021/22.

Where do the children come in?

I am going to challenge the school to try to complete at least as many miles as the tour. Each child will be individually sponsored to complete a set distance either by walking, running, scooting or cycling. This will be between 1 and 3 miles depending on the children’s ages. We will total the distances completed and the aim will be that the children cover a further distance than I do, in total. We will send more details out as the term progresses. There is no pressure to take part or raise money – but the drive to make up for the time we have spent confined in our houses, has led to many children around the country being less fit than they should be. This is a great opportunity to encourage a bit of fitness and to be outside! Every child can also help in the fund-raising effort.
The PTA are being a fabulous support and have set up a fundraising page. This was set up last year and if you contributed last year, thank you. Your contribution will be brought forward unless you wish to cancel this.

What exactly are we going to use the money for?

If you follow this link it will take you to a web site for a company called Playdale. There are many ideas on this site which show the type of equipment that I am eager for our children to have. Obviously, other companies are available. School budgets are not designed to cater for these extra treats and the PTA have already generously donated money for this project. However, we would like the playground to be a true adventure for our children and a place where they can exercise without knowing that they are doing it!
We would also like to have thermo plastic art on our key stage 1 playground for the children to use such as hopscotch, roadways etc. Obviously, the possibilities are endless and the more money we raise, the more we can set up for fabulous break times.

How can you help?

I am always encouraged by the supportive community spirit in Waterbeach. Each child can make a difference in this project and by supporting your child, through sponsorship and encouragement, you will be playing a massive part. This letter is to let you know about my plans and that there will be more details in the future. In the meantime, I am going to continue training and try to find some steep hills in Cambridgeshire!