Twenty parents and cyclists from East Dulwich have raised nearly £8,000 riding from London to Brighton to help fund sports activities at their local Harris Academy primary.
The group decided to take on the challenge to lead by example and encourage students to get fit and stay healthy.
Research shows that childhood obesity is linked to a rise in diabetes diagnoses among young people and, as the News has reported, children in Southwark are particularly affected.
As well as helping to maintain a healthy weight and physical fitness, exercise is proven to aid concentration and wellbeing too, and improve behaviour in the classroom.
Sending off the riders at 07:30 am on Saturday, principal Jo Conduit said: “Thank-you to everyone for raising an amazing sum of money but more importantly for being active, inspiring role models.
“We all have a duty to our children to develop those important life-long habits.”
The cyclists who braved last weekend’s wet weather, included infrequent riders who are more used to a five mile commute than a 55 mile trek.
The group included one mum who took part started cycling after being diagnosed with anaemia and a long-term auto-immune disease, and a 75-year-old whose family were cheering him on at the Brighton Pier finish line.
Alongside parents from all year groups, the cycle also included people from the area and businesses who supported the initiative, including Seabass Cycles, Dell Autos, Bells Kitchen and Bathroom, The Clinic by Dr Mayoni, William Rose Butchers, Paine and Hunter Opticians and William Bailey Solicitors.
All funds raised by Friends of Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich will go towards sports activities at the school.
You can sponsor the team here.