Public Services students at Totton College recently received a visit from the Royal British Legion as they gear up for their ‘Pedalling for Pounds’ charity event on Thursday 16 February. The level two and three BTEC learners aim to raise £3000, which they will divide between the RBL and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
The students have spent months in training for the 24-hour cycle challenge and they have set themselves an ambitious target of clocking 1000 miles between them. The marathon journey will take place at Bolderwood in the New Forest during daylight hours and will transfer to spinning bikes at Totton College as the evening sets in.
Representatives from the Royal British Legion spoke to the students about how the vital funds raised through the event, will help improve the lives of the armed forces community. Paramedics from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance previously paid a visit to the College to share stories of how money donated to the charity has saved countless lives across the county.
Public Services student, Will Norris, 17, explains how he and his teammates have been preparing:
“We’ve had weekly spinning sessions at the gym to get ourselves fit and ready so I am feeling prepared and excited about the event. We have chosen some charities that we think are great causes and have touched our lives in one way or another.”
Totton College has collaborated with Totton Health and Leisure Centre, which has generously offered full access to spinning equipment for training purposes. The cyclists will rotate shifts on a 22-mile circuit, continuously, from 8am on Thursday 16 February and finishing at 8am on Friday 17 February.
Milly Bright, 19, who is also on the Public Services course added:
“We know it will be a challenge and we are prepared for that, but it should be fun. We have music and sugary treats to keep us going when things get tough in the early hours of Friday morning. Just knowing how amazing the charities we are helping are, is enough to keep our spirits up!”
The Public Services course at Totton College teaches practical skills and problem solving, preparing students for a career in the police, armed forces, emergency services and many other uniformed roles.
Rob Miller, Public Services Teacher, commented:
“The students are training hard for this challenge; they’ve been busy promoting the event and encouraging people to donate. It has been fantastic to receive visits from both charities; it really puts it into perspective the important work they do, motivating the students to achieve their target of raising £3000.”
If you want to support the students and donate to the Royal British Legion and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, follow the link:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=peddleforpoundstc&isTeam=true
