And they're off! Shropshire college principal kicks off virtual cycle fundraiser to Ethiopia
A principal jumped in the saddle to kick off a unique fundraising challenge at a Shropshire college.
About 600 students and staff at Acton Burnell-based Concord College are joining in a virtual cycle to a primary school in Ethiopia.
During a period of two to three weeks they are aiming to cycle 8,487km and row 175.8km.
Concord College principal Neil Hawkins boarded an exercise bike for the first 20-minute slot of the challenge, outside the front of the college’s main hall on Wednesday.
He was joined by Dave Mellor, who is also a former Paralympic cycle team manager and now runs a cycle shop in Shrewsbury.
On campus students and staff will use the college’s exercise bikes and rowing machines as they aim to raise money for Concord’s school charity, ‘Soil of Amhara’.
It is in support of Lalibela Primary School in Ethiopia to ensure children don’t have to sit on the floor in unsafe and uncomfortable buildings.
The aim is to refurbish four classrooms.
A pledge of £5 is required for each student and member of staff to earn a dedicated 20-minute slot.
Idea
The challenge is to raise more than £2,000 to improve opportunities for young people in some of the poorest parts of Ethiopia.
Joint founder of the charity, Concord geography teacher Steven Cale said: “The virtual journey will be accomplished collectively through student and staff efforts. In addition, Concord alumni and the wider college community will also take part.
“On campus we will be using the exercise bikes to virtually travel the journey through 13 countries as well as the rowing machines to travel the English Channel and Red Sea.
“All the bikes and rowers have pedometers to track the distance, but we encourage all who take part to track their distance using smart phones or other devices.
“We think it will be great fun and we aim to raise money through family and friends in the form of sponsorship – as well as those paying for the pleasure of riding and taking part.”
Dave, who works with Concord’s sports department and services students’ bikes, added: “I think it is a great idea for the college.
"I hope the challenge helps to raise much needed funds for Concord’s school charity 8,672km away across the world.”
Anyone who wants to donate can visit bit.ly/3kCbcB8
