I am a maths teacher at Ramsden hall Academy in Billericay, Essex, for boys with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH). As a school, we have a mission for our boys.

Our mission is to: “build positive futures from new beginnings”
Our vision as a school is by Working together we will:
• Meet our students social, emotional and mental health needs enabling them to thrive both in school and in the wider community;
• Support our students to develop the attributes, skills, knowledge and understanding required to become valuable members of society;
I maintain my part in the vision by teaching them maths in the classroom and instilling my passion for mountain biking outside of the classroom, last year we took on the south downs way with our aging fleet of specialized Hardrock’s we only made 68 miles that’s 32 short of the goal. Due to mechanical issues this year we want to take on the challenge again. Since the trip last year, I have been knocking on the doors of various charities and cycling schemes to gain a grant but in the current economic climate. I am still currently fruit less in my efforts.
I have a quote for £4500 to get a fleet of bikes to help these young boys become cycling addicts this is a small price to pay.
My principal can fund the trip but not the fleet of bikes that we need. My local Bike shop have offered to plead to Specialized UK for a discount on the bikes once I have at least 50%of the cost.
One of the riders on last year’s South Downs way ride became principal’s boy of the year and pupils’ boy of the year. His personal social skills have come a long way since he started at the school his mum even came to find me to praise me on how the bike trip was all he could talk about even 8wks later, on parents evening.
We can help change these boys lives for just the cost of an inner tube each ;)
Thanks Adam