A Kilburn headteacher who has signed up for a 107-mile charity bike ride has challenged his
pupils to match his efforts – by covering the same distance on their bikes and scooters.
Rob Hull, headteacher at Kilburn Junior School, is currently in training for the Cosy Bike and
Hike, which will see him cycling from Derby to Skegness alongside a host of other
fundraisers on May 16.
He will be riding alongside his 19-year-old son, Rufus, but he has also decided to get others
involved in the effort as well, in the shape of all 150 of his Year Three to Six pupils, who he
has set the target of cycling or scooting the equivalent distance between them.
But not for them the long stretches of road east from Derby to the sea – instead, he has
given each one 15 minutes to complete as many laps of the school as they can in a
Scootathon event, which is taking place on May 18.
The Cosy Bike and Hike is raising money for two charities, the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday
Centre and the Derby Kids’ Camp, which gives hundreds of under-privileged children a
summer break each year.
Over the past few years, many of them have come from Rob’s school, which is part of the
Embark Federation, so he has first-hand knowledge of the positive impacts that the holidays
have.
He said: “Most people think of the summer school holiday as a happy time, but for some
children, six weeks off school is almost a punishment.
“Children thrive on routine, on being with friends and on the outdoor learning that they get
here. Sadly, they don’t get that during the holiday, and for some the highlight is going round
to their grandma’s house.
“I’ve heard the children talk about what a great time they had, and last year I went along to
Derby Kids’ Camp and I felt blown away by it. To see the children from our school there, and
the looks on their faces, was just wonderful.”
As well as practising their cycling and scooting, the children are all busy collecting
sponsorship, with even their parents getting involved to help raise a bumper total.
Rob said: “We’re very good at raising money for charity at school. I just thought this was
something we could all get behind and the children could enjoy being a part of.
“I’m sure the children will complete the distance easily, and they’re really excited about it.
“I’ve not cycled the route before and I’m just hoping to finish. I have been training with Rufus
and it’s been nice spending time with him. We’re at an age where we’re moving in different
directions, so to share this time together has been brilliant.”
Kilburn Junior School pupil Jack Marshall, aged nine, said: “We’re going to try and raise as
much money as possible by scooting around the school and playground in 15 minutes.
“My family are very proud of me. My grandpa is sponsoring me £2.50 per lap and I think I
can do 10 laps.”
Oliver Beavis, also aged nine, added: “I’m really looking forward to raising money for the
holiday centre. We do lots of fundraising at school like our summer fair and MacMillan
fundraising.
“This time I’m hoping to raise £40.”
Kilburn Junior School is one of dozens of Derbyshire schools which send pupils away to
either the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre or Derby Kid’s Camp each year.
Other schools include Spire Junior School in Chesterfield, Westhouses Primary School in
Alfreton and Derwent Primary School and Allenton Primary School, both in Derby.
Last year, more than 200 people took part in the Cosy Bike and Hike, raising more than
£90,000 overall, and this year the organisers added another event – the Hamble, a 13-mile
hike/amble, taking walkers from Derby to Longford.
A similar number of participants are expected to take part in the event this year, with
everybody due to set off from Derby Arena at 7am.
Dave Hook, managing director at the event organisers, Cosy Direct, said: “Every year the
money raised from the Cosy Bike and Hike gives children who wouldn’t expect to go on
holiday a week of total fun, laughter and escapism, whether at the seaside or under canvas
in the heart of Derbyshire.
“It’s wonderful to think that everybody at Kilburn Junior School are getting into the
fundraising spirit too, and we can’t wait to hear who took longer to complete 107 miles –
Rob, or his pupils!”
To donate to the Cosy Bike and Hike visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosy-bike-and-hike-
2026
ENDS
Picture shows: To be confirmed
For more information, email Simon Burch on [email protected] or ring 07735
397888.
