‘INSPIRATIONAL’ staff from a Rugby secondary school jumped in the saddle for a 500-mile cycling challenge – raising thousands for the region’s life-saving flying doctors.
Following months of training, Kieron Barnes, Laura Bindley, Ross Jardine and Darren Walden – who work at The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College – cycled the North Coast 500, a gruelling route which follows the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle.
Assisted by Leigh and Kev Hallam who helped with the challenge’s logistics, the team raised £2,500 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance charity.
The epic journey was organised by Kieron Barnes, who was moved to raise funds for the air ambulance medics who tried to help when his dad passed away unexpectedly in 2021.
The North Coast 500 is described as being one of the world most beautiful road trips. The route has many steep climbs, descents, and hairpin bends which the four colleagues took in their stride over their six-day ride.
Following the completion of their challenge, the group were all invited to the Air Ambulance’s base to see how their fund-raising efforts will support the charity.
Kieron said: “My dad was a passionate supporter of the local Air Ambulance and made a monthly donation to support their work.
“It was an honour to help keep his memory alive and continue the support for air ambulance that he was so passionate.
“I am really grateful to everyone who sent messages of supported and to those who made a donation to the charity.”
Avon Valley Headteacher Alison Davies said: “It was wonderful to see that Kieron, Darren, Laura and Ross successfully completed this mammoth fundraising event.
“Their efforts in undertaking this challenge and raising so much money for a very worth charity will be an inspiration for everyone at the school.”
