Cycling to fundraising success
Posted on: February 7th 2022School News
Year 13 Josh has been cycling his way to fundraising success, having been inspired by seeing a lack of opportunities for children in care. Josh’s parents have been foster carers for Jewish children with complex needs for many years and Josh recalled his first moment of realisation: “One morning, when taking a little girl with downs syndrome to her school, I noticed how worn the building looked and saw their poster for a building fund and a sponsored bike ride on the wall. I persuaded my parents into allowing me to help, and started to train for the 100km bike ride. I was able to raise over £5000 and completed the ride”.
Josh has done the ride every year since and has raised in excess of £15,000 for a new building and equipment for the girl’s special school which is a truly fantastic achievement. The extension has already been built and the school have just received planning permission for a purpose built unit that will accommodate a hydro pool and a sensory room.
Josh continued to help volunteering, signing up to be a counsellor on a special respite camp called Camp Kef. He described last summer as “the most incredible experience of his life” as he had already formed a bond with the 16-year-old boy whom he looked after over the 2 week camp, by taking him out for walks in his wheelchair during lockdown. Since then, the individual has moved to a trust close to the Manchester Grammar School, and Josh takes the opportunity to visit him on the way home from school. Josh hopes to be part of the bike ride for the special community school one more time before his planned gap year.
Josh also takes part in regular volunteering at the charity called The Friendship Circle, and said: “The charity supports adults with additional needs and gives them social opportunities and friendships. Every Monday night I volunteer at the special football training helping young adults with needs access the sport. It's lots of fun and very rewarding”.