Starting at Land’s End a group of eight pupils from Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen are pedalling their way up to John O’Groats on the north coast of the Highlands in aid of ‘Cash for Kids’ and ‘Building Schools for
Leaving the south-westerly tip of England on June 5 2016 the team, consisting of fifth year pupils with two teachers, will cover 876 miles. Cycling an average of 75 miles per day the longest day sees them reach 106 miles. The group will cycle through Shrewsbury, Preston, Carlisle, towards Inverness and complete their tour of the UK on June 16 2016 at John O’Groats.
Laura Jackson, teacher of mathematics at Robert Gordon’s College added: “Training during winter has been focussed on indoor cycling due to Aberdeen weather however more recently we have enjoyed getting outdoors on the road. It has been a tough ride so far in preparation for this but it is a great opportunity for the team to channel their physical energy which will also be mentally challenging for them. During the course of the 12 days I am particularly looking forward to cycling through my home town county of Cornwall and eating a proper pasty or two for energy.”
Pupil Matthew Brock commented: “We are proud to be supporting two worthwhile charities during our cycle challenge. ‘Cash for Kids’ is well known locally for helping disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the Grampian area. We are passionate about helping provide the basic right for all children to go to school and are also fundraising for ‘Building Schools for Africa’ to build a classroom, helping others get the education we all deserve.”
Jen Dickinson, head of outdoor education at Robert Gordon’s College said: “This will be a significant challenge for the team both mentally and physically over the 12 days. I am sure they will have a fabulous experience that will show them just what they are capable of, and set them up for success in their future, whatever they choose to do.”
Michelle Ferguson, charity manager at Cash for Kids thanked the team saying: “We cannot thank the team enough for choosing Cash for Kids as one of the charities to benefit from their fantastic fundraising challenge. Follow their progress on the Northsound 1 blog. All the money raised for Cash for Kids will go to support vulnerable children in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and we wish the boys and their brave teachers all the very best with this phenomenal challenge.”