Charitable teenagers get cycling for others

THE heavy and persistent rainfall across England this summer will not deter a group of Leamington teenagers who are intent on cycling 120 miles to raise funds for charity.

Following the success of a fundraising walk from Leamington to London last summer, Police community support officer Joe Holland, who takes classes at Trinity School, has gathered together 15 young people who wanted to do something positive again this year.

Along with three Kenilworth-based teachers and a London-based cameraman who plans to make a documentary about the trip, the youngsters, who are students at Trinity and Myton Schools set off yesterday (Saturday) and will cycle along the Grand Union canal, aiming to reach Little Venice in London tomorrow (Sunday).

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Pcso Holland said: “The film will be screened at schools, at Neighbourhood Watch meetings and at community forums. The idea is to show people the positive work that young people are doing and that not all kids spend their summer holidays getting drunk and causing trouble.

“We will go even if there’s heavy rain, which there probably will be. We’ll take it slow and be sensible.”

Sponsorship money will go towards Crimebeat, a charity that supports young people and which has provided £900 of funding for the trip, but also to a range of other charities, including Make A Wish Foundation, Ronald MacDonald and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Trinity pupil Becca Symonds, 16, is cycling to support these last three causes in memory of her close friend Becky Bishop, who died in March from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She said: “I went on a weekend break to London with Becky in January which was funded by Make A Wish so I wanted to say thanks to them for that.”

To sponsor the group, email joseph.holland@warwick
shire.pnn.police.uk