Pupils cycle over 130 miles from Bodmin to Hazlegrove Prep School for Charity

Four determined pupils from Hazlegrove Prep School, Freddie, Louis, Hambo and Ed, have embarked on an extraordinary challenge to raise funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA).

 

The boys have decided to cycle over 130 miles from Bodmin to Hazlegrove Prep School, tackling some formidable hills along the way, all within a single weekend.

The Ballistic Bikers

The DSAA is a crucial service providing life-saving, pre-hospital critical care to those in need across Dorset and Somerset. Remarkably, 95% of their operations are funded by charitable donations. Last year alone, they responded to 2,909 incidents, with each mission costing approximately £3,500.

Polly Kane, a parent of one of the boys, shared her pride and excitement about the initiative. 'This was all the boys' idea. They dreamt up the route and wanted to cycle for charity while playing in the playground. It came as a complete surprise when Hambo shared their plan. We chose the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance because it's a fantastic local charity that all the boys were enthusiastic about supporting.'

The boys have received tremendous support from their families, with fathers joining in on training sessions. These sessions include both seasoned road cyclists and newcomers to the sport. Polly noted, 'It's going to be a tough challenge. The boys can cycle the distance in one day, but repeating it over three days will be the ultimate test. Despite the toughest hills being at the start, by day three, climbing the Blackdown Hills will feel like scaling an alpine col for their tired legs.'

Mothers will be on hand to provide food stops and transport kit between night stops. The community is encouraged to come out and cheer the boys on as they pass through various towns and villages.

Polly expressed her gratitude to the Hazlegrove community for their support, saying, 'We couldn't be more proud of the boys for their drive, enthusiasm, and desire to make a difference. We hope this sparks a desire to take on many more challenges in the future.'

Headmaster, Mr Benbow said, ‘This is such a fabulous challenge that the boys have chosen to do and embodies so many of the school values – we will all be cheering them on!’

May 2025