Pedal power boosts pool's pennies

26/12/2007

Generous fund-raisers climbed on their bikes and raised more than £6,500 for a Wearside special needs school.

The Nenthead to Sunderland bike ride has become an annual event, and this year 90 cyclists took part in the sponsored ride.

Every one of them completed the gruelling 55-mile ride, and this year it was decided the money would be donated to Sunningdale School.

The Shaftoe Road school caters for children aged two-11 years old who have profound multiple and complex learning difficulties and extensive medical needs.

Delighted staff said the money was a huge boost and would allow them to carry out a project of extensive refurbishment to the hydrotherapy pool.

Kevin Reilly, assistant headteacher at Sunningdale, said: "We're always delighted with any donations we get, but to be given a lump sum as big as this is absolutely fantastic.

"It's going to allow us to revamp the hydrotherapy pool, which is hugely important to the children.

"It is a light sensory area for the children and all the kids love it.

"It also means the money will benefit all of our pupils because they all use the pool at some point at least once a week."

Mr Reilly said he couldn't thank all the cyclist enough for raising the money and the companies for agreeing it should be donated to Sunningdale.

The cyclists are all staff at six different Wearside companies, Liebherr, Littlewoods, Northumbrian Water, Fusion Call Centre, Business Express and Newells.

They come together each year to take part in the Nenthead to Sunderland bike ride and organise trucks and buses to get all the riders and bike to Cumbria for the start.

October's cycle was the 13th and over the years the ride has raised more than £60,000 for a variety of charities and good causes.

Barry Barraclough, one of the organisers, said: "Many thanks go to every cyclist who gave up their time and energy to take part and to all the staff, family and friends who kindly sponsored the riders and made donations to raise such a massive amount of money to help this good cause."

The full article contains 360 words and appears in n/a newspaper. Last Updated: 26 December 2007 10:09 AM

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