Hundreds of students from Kirkbie Kendal are pedalling for pounds this month as they cycle 1,525km to the south of France, raising much-needed funds in the school’s 500th year.
While their actual destination may only around the school grounds, the ride will feel very real for the students, aged 11 to 18, who will be saddling up every day to reach the 1,525 km to Nice – representing the year the school was established in 1525.
It’s hoped the Kendal to Nice challenge will kickstart the £100,000 fundraising target for Kirkbie Kendal’s 500th anniversary school improvements. The funds will support a new school kitchen, improved toilets, new classrooms, dining room and sustainability projects.
The Kendal community are invited to sponsor students cycling the 1,525km by going to its Gofundme page here.
First to wheel away from the starting line were students, Louis Bigland, Noah Reid and Dylan Davison, who between them clocked up an impressive 30 km on their first leg before other students joined in.
Jonnie Swallow said: ”It was fun to get involved and I’m looking forward to another leg next week.”
Headteacher Mark Harris said: “This cycle ride is going to be a fantastic whole school endeavour, with everyone from our year 7s through to office staff and even parents all pedalling to raise money for our anniversary projects.
“Whether it’s a quick cycle during the lunch break or a record-breaking distance, it all counts and is a brilliant way for our students to enjoy a fitness challenge while celebrating the school’s anniversary. Please do get behind them by donating to our GoFundMe site, search Kirkbie Kendal.”
The school expect to reach their 1,525km ‘destination’ of Nice at the end of March and this challenge marks the first activities lined up for the school’s special birthday.
Events lined up throughout the year, including a 500-mile sponsored walk, garden party on June 28, raffle and time capsule.
Kirkbie Kendal also wants to hear stories and photos from former students to create a living archive of memories. Share directly to a new Facebook group: Kirkbie Kendal School Celebrating 500 years, or email 500years@kksa.co.uk
