100k Cycle Ride Celebrating Life of Pupil Raises £28,000 for our Hospital

A group of secondary school students have taken on a 100k cycle and raised over £28,000 for our charity in memory of a fellow classmate. 

 Year 9 students from Arden Academy, in Knowle, cycled 100k – just over 62 miles – in one day, travelling from Knowle to Stratford-Upon-Avon and back again. The incredible feat was their way of celebrating the life of Nancy Dunne, a fellow student who very suddenly passed away last year. 

Nancy was a warm-hearted and caring teenager who loved to dance. She was at a dance class when she suddenly collapsed and was subsequently cared for by the teams at our Children’s Hospital. 

To honour Nancy’s memory, Year 9 pupils at Arden Academy decided to let Nancy’s family choose which cause their annual charity cycle would support. Nancy’s parents chose our charit, and an inspired group of 40 students signed up for the cycling challenge, training hard and showing incredible heart and dedication. 

The group encouraged friends, family and the Arden School community to dig deep for the cause, holding fundraising events from doughnut and samosa sales to staff quizzes to help with their target. Touched by Nancy’s story, everyone got behind them, helping to raise a phenomenal £28,000. 

Spurred on by this explosion of generosity, the young cyclists were all ready to hit the road. They were joined by Nancy’s dad who wanted to play his part in the ride and celebrate Nancy’s life and legacy.  

The cycle was tough, especially in the hot weather, but all the riders pushed through. One student with cerebral palsy was proud to complete the full 100k across two days, using a specially adapted bike donated by a local charity.  

Reaching the finish line was an incredibly emotional moment for all the students, their families, and the whole school community were so amazingly proud of them.  

Guv Singh, Maths Teacher at Arden Academy and ride organiser, said: “Despite the challenging heat and six punctures along the route, every student remained positive and successfully completed this remarkable challenge… I am immensely proud of the way they encouraged, supported and motivated one another throughout the journey.”  

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Nancy’s story is beyond heartbreaking, and our hearts go out to her family and to everyone who knew and loved her. 

“We are deeply humbled by the outpouring of kindness and generosity in Nancy’s name, and this incredible amount raised will make a huge difference to our patients, with funds going where they are needed most.”