Teacher’s pedal power for tayaba
Cycle in memory of pupil
A big-hearted teacher completed a gruelling coast to coast bike ride at the weekend in honour of a little girl from his school who tragically died.
Peter Cairns, who teaches P6/7 at St Charles Primary in Cambuslang, pedalled 150 miles across the North of England on Saturday and Sunday.
The 53-year-old conquered the iconic Coast to Coast route within those 48 hours, despite most cyclists taking four to five days to cover the tough terrain.
Peter’s sponsored challenge was in memory of six-year-old Tayaba Channa, who passed away in 2016 after contracting meningitis.
Popular Tayaba is still sadly missed at the school – which two of her brothers and a sister currently attend – and Mr Cairns’ cycle was a special tribute to the youngster.
His efforts raised around £2500 for the Meningitis Research Foundation which delighted Tayaba’s parents Ghulam Abbas and Shamsa Kanwal.
Peter said: “Everything happened so quickly with little Tayaba and what happened devastated the school.
“It was like losing one of your own family because we are a tight-knit community at St Charles.
“The impact on the school was profound and the kids still fondly remember Tayaba.”
Peter, who lives in Dalmarnock, asked for sponsorship as he was hoping to raise £1000 for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Two days before even hopping on his bike saddle, Peter had smashed his target and almost 120 people have made donations online, including some of his school pupils.
Dozens of messages of support were also posted on Peter’s Just Giving webpage.
Judith Miller wrote: “What a wonderful challenge Pete. Good luck and good health to you – you are a wonderful ambassador for charitable giving.”
Amanda McGuire commented: “What a great thing to do! St. Bride’s pupils and staff are cheering you on!”
The Coast To Coast route begins in the village of Seascale in Cumbria and finishes in Yorkshire town Whitby.
The route includes a 4500m of ascent road ride from the mountainous Western Lake District, through the Yorkshire Dales, across the flat Vale of York and finally the Northern Valleys of the North York Moors, before finishing by the sea in Whitby.
Day one was most difficult for Peter as he battled his way over two of the highest passes in England. Day two involved fewer hills, but covered a greater distance.
Tayaba’s parents said they were “delighted” the teacher completed this challenge in memory of their daughter.
Mum Shamsa Kanwal said: “We really appreciate all of his efforts to raise funds for Meningitis Research Foundation.”
St Bride’s pupils and staff are cheering you on