Norton Hill School, in Midsomer Norton, spent last Thursday peddling their way down the UK to raise vital funds for The Brain Tumour Charity following the diagnosis of much-loved teacher, Martin Wright.

Martin, who was diagnosed in August with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma; a fast growing and very aggressive cancer, is a keen cyclist, so the children, alongside Sacha Corby, Norton Hill’s Alternative Provision and Inclusion teacher, wanted to come up with a fundraiser to show their appreciation and support.

Sacha decided to bring the school pupils together to organise the fundraiser, raise awareness of Martin’s condition and show their support as a school. She told The Journal: “The pupils decided that they wanted to do a bike ride for Martin Wright, our Alternative and Inclusion Manager to raise money for The Brain Tumour charity.

“Mr Wright works in The Bridge [at Norton Hill School] which supports pupils that need extra support within school. He is an amazing, strong, inspirational man that is appreciated and has been missed by us all. We support these kids on a daily basis and his absence has been hugely felt by the pupils and myself. I miss him greatly and can’t wait for his return, as he still has lots to give to the pupils of Norton Hill.

“As Martin is a very keen rider and loves riding his bike in all weathers, we decided that we would ride 874 miles, which is the same distance as Land’s End to John O’ Groats, in a twelve hour session.

“The bikeathon was one of the many ideas the students had in the first meeting, so from then, I have gone on to arrange this event which has proved relatively easy as the kids have helped and wanted to be involved.”

In total, there were forty-one students who participated in the bikeathon fundraiser, and some of the teachers joined in at the end of the day. Sacha said: “We are very proud of how they worked. Even when they were tired, they came back and completed the ride even after the bell for home time went.

“The last 100 miles seemed to take the longest as they began to tire, but the kids managed the 874 miles within an eight hour period in the end! They were absolutely amazing - Land’s End to John O’ Groats is some feat!

“I have snapped most of my nails but have learnt how to place a bike on a turbo trainer and how to fix a chain - more skills gained!

“The students that work with Martin and myself are a real credit to The Bridge and I look forward to organising more events as these children showed grit, determination and maturity, especially when Martin told them how he was doing.”

It is clear that Martin is a very valued member of the Norton Hill family, evidently from the reaction of those around him when he returned to the school for the first time since his diagnosis.

Speaking to The Journal at the event, Martin said:

“Seeing what these young people have done is so empowering, they have done all of this off of their own backs to show their support for me and the charity.

“Cycling is so important to me and part of who I am, so for them to do a fundraiser to honour that is so heartwarming.

“I am so desperate to try and get back to work and give as much as I can back to these amazing students whilst I can. Yes, I have a very serious illness, but these students make me want to get out of bed and go, they give so much to me without even knowing.

“When I read Sacha’s email, I broke down because it was so overwhelming to see how much the students are willing to help out.”

Looking around the room whilst Martin spoke to the students, you could see the impact that his short time at the school has had on their lives. They listened whilst he spoke encouraging words: “What I have learnt from this diagnosis is that you just have to get out and enjoy life whilst you can. I have been told to take life day to day as I do not know what will happen, and that has pushed me to live as best I can!

“You are here for me today and that means so much. To be here with you now is brilliant and I am so happy that I am currently physically able to.

“A massive thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing and thank you so much to Sacha for organising this, it’s just brilliant and I cannot thank you enough.”

Although the final total is yet to be counted, the school says they are very hopeful that the amount of money raised from the fundraiser will be enough to help people like Martin throughout their diagnosis.

Following his diagnosis, Martin set up a JustGiving page where he sets out challenges for himself and posts updates of his treatment. If you would like to donate to Martin’s JustGiving page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-wright35