Woodham Academy students have recently taken part in a sponsored bike ride to raise funds for Woodham’s Thailand Experience. The aim was to cycle the last section of the Coast2Coast where they would finish at Roker Beach in Sunderland. On Saturday 10th November, 9 students travelled to Parkhead Station in Stanhope, where they prepared for a 36-mile journey. Students cycled across some challenging terrain and had a rather chilly start. The students had check points where they could refuel with water from the minibus and had 4 short stops throughout the day.
The students passed through Rowerly, Stanley, Beamish, Washington and Sunderland where they were able to take in some breathtaking views of the local countryside. All students showed great resilience, especially when reaching mile 25, when the muscles had become fatigued. Whilst travelling along the River Wear and approaching the final stretch, moral was high, and students really pushed through. The team arrived at Roker Beach where they ditched the bikes for a team photo on the sea front.
The total ride took 3 hours 39 minutes and the students averaged around 10mph throughout the journey. They showed a great positive attitude throughout the whole day and really pulled together when it became tough. The students raised money through individual sponsor sheets and through the team’s ‘Just Giving’ page.
Woodham Academy’s Thailand Experience is a life changing opportunity where 14 key stage 4 students are travelling to Thailand for 2 weeks where they will visit different areas in North Thailand. They will also be taking part in 7 days of volunteering at Chang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park. This is specifically for elephants that have been orphaned or injured as a result of the tourist trade. It is a rehabilitation centre where the students will be hands on with the elephants, caring for, feeding and bathing them. The students will also be involved in the day to day maintenance of the sanctuary. They will be embarking on this journey in July 2019 and are all working hard to raise funds for this outstanding opportunity.
If you would like to follow our journey, please follow their facebook page: @woodhamthailandexperience
If you would like to donate, our just giving page is: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/woodhamthailandexperience
