Last week, 11 Key Stage 4 students from Priory School took on the challenge of biking 100 miles to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. When extreme weather forced them to change their plans, the local community stepped in to lend a helping hand.
The students originally planned to complete a 100-mile ride from Bury St Edmunds to Harwich, and back. However, once severe weather warnings were issued, they were forced to find an alternative indoor solution.
Tom Parkington, a teacher at Priory, began coordinating the event in 2019. He said: “It became clear that proceeding on the roads would not be safe or practical. I spoke with the students and explained that, while we sometimes encounter obstacles, it is important to adapt and explore alternative approaches. Finding a ‘Plan B’ would enable us to honour our commitment to fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.”
The students started at Skyliner Gym in Bury St Edmunds, where they rode on stationary exercise bikes provided by the gym and Sybil Andrews Academy.
Afterwards, the team headed to Suffolk Police in Ipswich, where Chief Inspector Matt Breeze was able to support the students using the station’s gym.
Overall, the team estimated they rode 220 miles based on RPM and time.
Tom said: “The enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding the event have always been incredibly encouraging and are a significant reason why we felt it was important to find an alternative solution this year.
“This revised opportunity still provided students with a memorable and rewarding experience – one they can look back on with pride, and from which they can take valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.
“We also believe this adapted event strengthened community spirit and showcased the positive intentions of our young people as they undertook a personal challenge in support of a worthy cause. We hope next year we will be back on the roads and enjoying the Suffolk countryside.”
14-year-old Alfie, from Thetford, said: “It was brilliant, it was great to be in a gym, and I still felt like I worked hard.”
Georgia, 16, from Risby, said: “Even though we changed our plans, I think we achieved our goal.”
The group managed to raise over £1000 for the British Heart Foundation.
