Tavistock College students cycle the distance to John O’Groats in aid of ShelterBox

TAVISTOCK College sixth form students spent a day cycling the distance from John O'Groats to Tavistock for charity – and achieved their target more than three hours faster than planned.

The students cycled the 1,221 kilometres on exercise bikes in the new fitness suite in aid of disaster relief charity ShelterBox and the refurbishment of the sixth form common room.

Student Pete Robson, one of the organisers, said: “We’re aching today but it was worth it; it turned out so well.

“We finished three-and-a-half hours early. We were meant to be done by 10pm by managed it by 6.30pm.”

Several members of staff joined in and director of sixth form Phil Mathieson and sixth form administrator Lisa Mabey took two of the 7am starting slots.

“Having the support from staff made it even more special,” said Pete. “We were really chuffed.”

Co-organiser Scott Dickson said many students queued to get on the bikes, and some cycled for an hour at a time.

“It really helped that the college has these sports facilities,” he added.

Josh Bullock – a Year 12 student and competitive road cyclist – completed six kilometres in just seven minutes 41 seconds, while Pete Robson cycled the longest distance at 101 kilometres.

Dozens of sixth formers volunteered to act as time keepers and joined in with the cycling, while others provided refreshments.

Tavistock College students have bought 13 ShelterBoxes at a cost of £490 each through previous fundraising drives and co-purchased another two.

The charity will receive 75% of all money the sixth formers collected and the remaining 25% will be put towards the refurbishment of the sixth form common room. The Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) has already raised £6,000 for the project.

“Special thanks to Mr Mathieson who was as enthusiastic as we were and the sports centre staff for letting us have the bikes for the day,” said Pete. “The PTSA were great. They sent out a letter to all parents and generated publicity which helped to encourage donations.”

Tavistock College takes seriously its responsibility to the local, national and international community. Its students and staff have raised over £65,000 for charitable causes in the last four years alone.