Teachers chalk up miles for Paris cycle challenge
KIND-HEARTED teachers have swapped blackboards for bikes in a 700-mile challenge.
A team of fundraisers are generating cash for Mary’s Meals by cycling from Notre Dame High School – to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.
The group of five completed the last 25 miles of their gruelling trip on Saturday before heading back to Scotland for a well-deserved rest.
Patrick Hegarty, the mastermind behind the endeavour, said: “It was an idea that came to me a couple of years ago so it’s been a while coming to fruition.
“I wanted to support the charity Mary’s Meals and this was a novel way of doing so.
“The charity helps children in underprivileged countries and as educators ourselves it is important to us that every child receives an education.”
He added: “Physically we are alright – no injuries. I have come off my bike as has my colleague Richie but no broken bones.
“We’ve had a few flat tyres and a few moments where you have had to grit your teeth and get on with it.
“But most of us are sad it’s come to an end now.”
Other Notre Dame teachers on the cycle challenge include Richie McColm, Chris Harte, Hilary McGavigan and Claire Mackay.
Richie said that while the teachers have been doing the main challenge, the whole school has rallied behind them.
Youngsters have taken on fundraising endeavours – such as a sponsored silence that raised £310 – to help boost the total generated.
The trip has taken 13 days and seen the intrepid teachers travel through lashing rain in the Lake District and 33 degree heat in London.
They have been supported by a supply van donated from Glasgow firm Boulevard Self Drive.
Richie said: “None of us are remotely expert cyclists. We have been training over the past year but that’s mostly involved cycling to Balloch and back.
“Apart from snow we have had every single weather under the sun.
“For two days it was chucking it down with rain. Then, when we were in Leamington Spa and cycling through central London, it was 33 degree heat.
“It’s definitely been a challenge – we’ve had a few burst tyres and a few sore backsides.
“The good thing has been having a support van with us. It was very kindly donated by Boulevard Self Drive, which has asked for nothing in return from us.
“We’ve raised more than £5000 and the fact we have made that money for Mary’s Meals has made it all worthwhile.
“It has also brought us closer together and been good for the whole Notre Dame school community.”
Mary’s Meals provides one nutritious meal per day to children across 12 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
This allows children to attend school and concentrate in class, making sure they do not go hungry and that they can access education.
To donate to the challenge, see www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ND2ND16