Please help me raise funds for the Bridge Academy, Hackney:

Bridge Academy is a school in the East of London that nurtures students who come from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK. Over 50% receive free school meals, more than double the national average. Poverty, family breakdown, poor housing and crime are just some of the challenges many face daily, along with the usual difficulties of being a teenager growing up in a complex world.

The fundraising event:

A group of colleagues and I are setting out for a grueling 5 day road cycling journey through the Eastern Alps at the end of August 2024:

We will cycle from Slovenia to Switzerland, through northern Italy, southern Austria and Lichtenstein, covering around 750km and climbing a total of more than 13,000 meters of ascent!

It will be physically brutal but the breathtaking alpine views and the camaraderie in our small peloton will hopefully give us sufficient motivation and energy.

More on the Bridge Academy:

My employer, a big international Investment Bank, has partnered with Bridge Academy for years: it founded the school over 15 years ago as part of its long-term vision to raise educational standards in Hackney. Through a combination of employee volunteer time and financial resource, the partnership has a hugely positive impact on student achievements, attainment and personal development. Students benefit from unique opportunities and links with professionals and specialists, and 'real-life' insights that broaden horizons and enhance the curriculum beyond that which can normally be offered by a school. For example, mentoring and teaching support in Mathematics and Music, the Academy's specialisms; IT experts and digital technology; preparation for the world of work through work experience and apprenticeships; and the financing of a dedicated career advisor.

Despite the challenges facing the students in their daily lives, Bridge Academy students achieve above the national average at GCSE and A Level and achieve results in the top 10% nationally, outperforming students from much more privileged backgrounds.

We are especially fundraising for two initiatives for the coming year :

Place2Be counselling - to provide an inhouse dedicated counsellor to help our younger students

Outdoor activities - to take students to the countryside and the coast for outdoor activities that will broaden their perspectives