Worthing school claps siblings on 100km cycle challenge for Turning Tides

Staff and pupils at a Worthing school came out in force to support siblings on a charity cycle challenge.
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Cameron and Leah Barritt were raising money for West Sussex charity Turning Tides by cycling 100km in a month.

They formed the team Little Legs with their parents and set out on their bikes, including a ride past Lancing Prep Worthing, where they are both pupils.

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Four-year-old Leah said: “The best bit was when my friends and teachers at school clapped as we cycled past. This was also the more tiring day as we cycled 20km that day.”

Cameron and Leah Barritt with their medals and trophies after completing their 100km charity cycle challengeCameron and Leah Barritt with their medals and trophies after completing their 100km charity cycle challenge
Cameron and Leah Barritt with their medals and trophies after completing their 100km charity cycle challenge

She and her six-year-old brother were awarded medals and trophies after completing a total of 100km and raising more than £1,500 to help support homeless men and women across the county.

They were originally challenged by their parents to help them get active out in the fresh air during lockdown. This led to a discussion over whether to raise money for a local charity at the same time.

Cameron and Leah had heard about the work of Turning Tides when a Harvest appeal video was played at their school, and this inspired them to chose the charity for their cycle challenge.

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Cameron said: “It was special because people gave money but it was very tiring. It felt good and rewarding and we got clapped as we cycled past our school and when we finished on our street, this made me nearly happy cry.”

Explaining why he wanted to help the homeless, he added: “They don’t have homes, especially during winter storms.”

The initial target was £100 but with the support of the school and the community, the challenge raised 15 times that amount.

Cameron and Leah were give a month to cover 100km but achieved the distance in just three weeks, over only 12 rides. Both said they felt stronger and fitter by the end.

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Turning Tides awarded them supporter t-shirts, challenge medals and badges in recognition of their efforts.

Moira Gardner, community groups fundraising officer, said: “Individual fundraising such as Cameron and Leah’s incredible achievement is so vital to raising awareness within the local community, especially during the ongoing crisis when we need support more than ever.

“Increasing numbers of people are losing their jobs and livelihoods due to the pandemic and the numbers of local people accessing our services is rising. It is only through the collective efforts of our community that we can continue to support those most vulnerable.

“We urge anyone and everyone to follow in Cameron and Leah’s footsteps and consider arranging their own individual fundraising challenge, and remind them it does not necessarily need to by an athletic feat.

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“In fact right now we have a Lent4Good Appeal and if you go to our website there are lots of simple fundraising things you can do this month – look for our Lent4Good Challenge Calendar for ideas.

Everyone has different abilities, it’s about finding something that would be a personal challenge to you, and calling on your loved ones to support you to see it through to completion.

“We love supporting individual fundraisers, there is so much heart to each story and the personal reasons for choosing to take on a challenge. We offer lots of support from setting up your JustGiving page to promoting you on our social channels. We have t-shirts and medals, too. And to mark your achievement we will send you a personal certificate.”

Visit www.turning-tides.org.uk for more information.

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