Parents fundraising pedal to Paris raises more than £34k

A 27 strong team of parents of Trinity and Gillotts School, as well as supporters of The Chiltern Centre together completed a 2 day, 330km challenge cycle ride, raising more than £34,000 for the good causes.

This year was also the first year that the group contained women – 7 in total. Cath Drummond, Director of Align Pilates and Iron Woman, agreed to take part some time ago. She said, “The children are our future and we need educated children so if I can do anything for them, then I’m there!” Her husband John, who had been helping with training and childcare support also added, “I’m confident she can do this, she’s comfortable in the saddle and has worked hard. My only concerns are over safety when you are cycling, however, there is a support van and cycling with a large group should make it safer too.”

The group also contained grandfather of 3 Trinity pupils, Blackett Ditchburn at the tender age of 69 as well as Sarah Gilbert, whose crashed 3 weeks before the ride meant that she couldn’t be in the saddle for 2 weeks in the final run up. Despite the setback, she explained that it hadn’t dented her confidence, she was just excited to get out there and do it!

Setting off from Trinity’s playground at 9:40am on Friday to waves and ‘three cheers’ from the gathered pupils and family members, the intrepid group travelled south, 140km to Newhaven. Facing weather with several different seasons in one day, more potholes than they could possibly imagine, some badly-timed steep hills and cross-winds when they were at their most tired, the group arrived at the ferry terminal around 6:30pm.

The crossing to Dieppe was ideal – smooth and calm with a potential for 4 hours sleep in a cabin bed – however, despite being physically tired, for most, sleep did not really come, adding to the difficulty of the following day’s 190km. On disembarking the ferry, the group were delighted to find that the support van had already unloaded, thanks to the volunteers, and the bikes were all lined up ready to go. Bananas and croissants were supplied and, euro pop tunes blared out of a speaker to provide extra motivation before part 2 began.

Thankfully the conditions in France were more favourable than the previous day. No potholes, beautiful rolling hills, stunning landscape, and no traffic – great conditions for riding as a larger group. By lunchtime the sun had emerged and temperatures rose sharply, meaning an increase in the need to remain hydrated. The group stopped 20km short for a small celebratory drink, before taking on the last section – the much more busy entry to Paris and the ride to the Eiffel Tower.

Parent of reception child Hamish, Fran Corbett, said, “One of the benefits of riding with a group is that everyone picks you up, so however difficult it becomes, you can get through it. Reaching the Eiffel Tower was amazing and such a relief! The chance to get off the bike and stay off the bike! The final 20km was hard as it is so stop-starty with traffic, and traffic lights every 50 metres or so. It definitely slowed down our average pace for the day. I’ve done a lot of cycle rides but this was the longest and I’m delighted to have made it.”

Headteacher of Trinity Primary School, Charlotte Whittle said, “We are incredibly grateful to our parents who took in the huge challenge of cycling to Paris to raise funds for Trinity. Their commitment and effort have raised valuable funds that will benefit our pupils, and their support is greatly appreciated by the whole school community. We would like to thank everyone who took part, as well as those who supported and sponsored the ride.”

The event was organised by James Ackerley and sponsored by Reids Dry Cleaners, Hamptons, Hotmoves, AS Athelete Services, Henley Self Storage and Hostsmart.

Anyone wishing to add to the donations already received can do so here: https://www.friendsoftrinityschool.com/team