A headteacher at Kilburn Junior School is gearing up for a 107-mile charity bike ride and has set his pupils the challenge of covering the same distance on their bikes and scooters. Rob Hull, headteacher of the school in Kilburn, is training for the Cosy Bike and Hike, which will take him from Derby to Skegness on May 16 alongside other fundraisers. He will be joined by his 19-year-old son, Rufus, but has also involved all 150 of his Year Three to Six pupils, who must collectively cycle or scoot the equivalent distance.
Instead of a long road journey, the pupils will participate in a Scootathon on May 18, where each child will have 15 minutes to complete as many laps of the school as possible. The Cosy Bike and Hike raises funds for two charities: the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and the Derby Kids’ Camp, which provide summer breaks for underprivileged children. Many of these children come from Rob’s school, part of the Embark Federation, giving him firsthand insight into the holidays' positive impact.
Rob 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, being with friends, and outdoor learning. 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 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 practicing their cycling and scooting, the children are collecting sponsorship, with parents also getting involved to boost the total raised. Rob added: "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."
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 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 that send pupils to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre or Derby Kids’ Camp each year, including Spire Junior School in Chesterfield, Westhouses Primary School in Alfreton, and Derwent Primary School and Allenton Primary School in Derby. Last year, over 200 people took part in the Cosy Bike and Hike, raising more than £90,000. This year, organizers added the Hamble, a 13-mile hike from Derby to Longford. A similar number of participants are expected, all starting from Derby Arena at 7am.
Dave Hook, managing director of event organizers 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.
