Plympton Academy teacher takes to two wheels to raise money for charity

A maths teacher from Plympton Academy, who hasn’t ridden a bike since childhood, is taking to two wheels to raise money for charity.

Caroline Pitcher plans to cycle from John O’Groats to Gretna Green in September to raise money for three women’s cancer charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

The teacher, who turns 50 next year, will be cycling the 500 miles as part of Action for Charity and with three University friends.

There are three elements to the challenge; cycling 500 miles, raising £1000 for charity and giving up alcohol from January 1st to September 15th to attract sponsorship from friends and family. To prepare for this, Caroline has been doing weight training, attending spin classes and of course hitting the Devon hills.

As a novice cyclist, Caroline has needed lots of advice and encouragement. “I’m really grateful to all of the people who have offered support; Kim Barber for bike training tips and advice on what bike to buy, Angie and Craig at The Bike Cellar in Plymstock for making sure my new bike was set up to fit me perfectly, Louis Kennedy at Ivybridge Leisure Centre for keeping me on track with weight training exercises, and all the friends and colleagues who take an interest day to day.

“My family have been great, changing plans so I can cycle when the weather is good and encouraging me when the training is difficult to fit in, even though my daughters aren’t too sure about me wearing cycling shorts in public.”

Caroline has already raised £1500 through sponsorship from friends and colleagues, a barbecue for neighbours, taking Christmas trees to the dump, car boot sale, raffling a Prosecco gift set donated by Tesco's and students donating for a chance to pour custard on her head.

“Everyone at Plympton Academy is very proud of what Caroline is doing,” said Principal, Lisa Boorman. “It’s great to see that our Academy drive on resilience is also developed by members of staff. We wish Caroline all the very best for her cycle ride.”