Sometimes it's the simple things that make the most difference. Having availability of the correct text books in a decent condition, functioning facilities where children can learn and consider a safe place. The funds raised from the mountain bike ride will all go directly towards the school improving their ability to continue their excellent work teaching and educating our children.

I cycle quite a lot nowadays, but the level of offroad climbing and descent here at about 1250m is a fair chunk, not to mention the 65km distance! Having sponsorship to reflect on as a reason for why I'm completing this ride will help me battle any headwinds and rain (yes, there's always headwinds, typically out and back, go figure!).

Schools are facing cuts that affect our children's education. Between 2009-2010 and 2019-2020, spending per pupil in England fell by 9 per cent in real terms. The government set out additional funding in the 2019 spending round and 2021 spending review and said that this would restore spending per pupil back to 2010 levels in 2024-25 based on inflation measured by the GDP deflator. IFS now estimate that costs faced by schools will increase faster than rates of funding, this includes the increased cost of teacher and support staff pay. They estimate an increase between 2019-20 and 2024-25 of around 20 per cent above the expected growth in the GDP deflator which will mean that per pupil funding will remain 3 per cent below the 2009-2010 level. (Education policy institute 2022).

Please give generously to keep and improve the resources that are vital for our children's education.