Teacher Gary saddles up for Skeggy in memory of Gramps
A DERBY teacher is saddling up for a 100-mile charity bike ride to Skegness in memory of his grandad who used to take him there on holiday.
Gary Jackson, a PE teacher at The Kingsmead Special School, in Brighton Road, set out to raise £1,000 for Dementia UK following the death of his grandad Vincent Harman last year.
He has already exceeded his fundraising expectations, with donations totalling £1,100 so far, and plans to set off on his epic bike ride from his grandad’s former home in Shaw Street, Derby, on May 29.
Gary was keen to set himself a challenge that would recreate precious memories he shared with his grandad, who worked at Birds Bakery until he retired.
He said: “I remember him taking me out cycling as a young boy either on my own bike or on the back of his.
“I have so many great childhood memories of my trips to good old Skeggy with grandad. One memory that sticks with me is being stood at the clock tower making a phone call to get my GCSE results.
“As nervous as I was, I knew all would be okay no matter what, as I was stood with my Nan and Grandad. We then went on to celebrate in true Grandad-style with fish and chips.”
Gary, who has been training hard in preparation for the challenge and is proud to have been sponsored by Velo Bavarian, in Duffield, in the form of a bike.
Sadly, his training hit a setback when his grandmother Sarah, Vincent’s wife of 64 years, also died last month.
He said: “I’m taking strength from the thought that at least Nan and Gramps are back together.
“When I complete this challenge, I will do a different fundraiser in her name, but for Treetops Hospice Care as they have been amazing with helping and caring for Nan.”
The Kingsmead teacher is keen to get as many people involved in the fundraising bid as possible and has even invited some of his students to take part.
He said: “It has surprised me how supportive some students have been, but they knew I was close to my grandparents and that I helped care for them.
“Some of our pupils do have a hard time in society but it’s been very heart-warming when they ask how I am and say they are sorry to hear about my Nan.
“They have also shown a keen interest in raising their own awareness of dementia and the effects it can have on everyone involved.”
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurse service, which offers one-to-one guidance and practical solutions.
To sponsor Gary, or to make a donation, visit www.justgiving. com