A PRIMARY school teacher from Middle Mead, Hook, has taken on a once-in-a-lifetime cycling challenge.

Phoebe Gardam cycled 895 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for Meath School, a specialist primary school in Surrey, run by I CAN, a children’s communication charity.

I CAN’s Meath School, a twice ‘outstanding’ school as rated by Ofsted, is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils aged four to 11 years, who have severe and complex speech, language and communication needs.

The Hook resident, who recently finished training to become a primary school teacher, completed the cycle challenge on behalf of the school, with all proceeds heading their way.

The mammoth challenge took 10 days to complete, after months of training, preparation and fundraising.

Ms Gardam has so far raised a total of £2,553.93 for the school, and is still accepting donations to her Virgin Money Giving page.  

Ms Gardam, said: “This challenge has been on my bucket list for years, and this year I found someone crazy enough to do it with me. 

“Seeing Great Britain by bike was an excellent, as well as challenging, opportunity to raise money for a fantastic charity. As a teacher this cause is close to my heart; during my teaching placement I became more aware of the challenges some children face in communicating, and was keen to know more.

“I hope to raise as much money as possible to help I CAN and Meath School.

“I completed at least one event each month in the lead up to the challenge, to make sure my fitness and motivation didn’t slip.”

Janet Dunn, principal of Meath School added: “We are delighted that Phoebe chose our school as her cause, we were cheering her all the way!”

Jon Pelluet, director of fundraising at I CAN was thankful to Phoebe and the money she has raised: “We are so grateful to Phoebe for taking on this huge challenge on behalf of I CAN’s Meath School and for raising awareness of children’s speech, language and communication difficulties.

“A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored Phoebe’s incredible efforts, which will support the programmes, facilities, and staff that help pupils at Meath School to communicate and connect with those around them.

“We want to thank Phoebe for taking part in such a fantastic challenge!”

To sponsor Phoebe visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/show

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