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Garry Lee, a Special Support Assistant at Northern Counties School, part of disability charity the Percy Hedley Foundation, has completed an extraordinary 3,300-mile cycling challenge to raise funds for his students.
What began in September saw Garry cycle an average of 19 miles daily to reach his ambitious target. His journey included cycling to Edinburgh and back, as well as riding alongside Northern Counties students to clock up the miles together.
The challenge was launched to help fund a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York for a group of students from Northern Counties School. During their trip, students will visit the Empire State Building, attend a Broadway show and take part in a cultural exchange with a partner school in New York. For many of them, it will be their first time on a plane.
Garry has now raised over £1,700, surpassing his original £1,000 target and helping to make the trip even more special for the students.
Cycling through Jesmond, Garry crossed the finish line at Northern Counties School on Tankerville Terrace, joined by students heading to New York who rode alongside him on bikes and trikes to mark the achievement.
The challenge was not without its setbacks. In October, Garry’s bike was stolen outside Sainsbury’s in Heaton, putting the challenge in doubt. But thanks to the generosity of Benfield Football Club, where Garry also coaches, he was gifted a replacement bike and was able to continue undeterred.
Reflecting on the experience, Garry said:
“The feeling of relief and achievement that I’ve completed this challenge is unreal.
“But this isn’t about me. This is about helping our learners to experience life-changing opportunities, and to learn that absolutely anything is possible when you set your mind to it.
“The support from my colleagues and local community has been amazing and has helped create what will be an incredible experience for the kids.”
Martin Lonergan, Headteacher at Northern Counties School added:
“Garry’s dedication and commitment to this challenge has been outstanding.
“His efforts will make a real difference in transforming this once-in-a-lifetime trip into an even more meaningful experience for our learners at Northern Counties School – creating lasting memories while helping them develop the skills they need to achieve greater independence in adulthood.”
Garry and the students will set off for New York on 4th March.
The post Newcastle support worker completes epic Newcastle to New York challenge for disabled students appeared first on Newcastle Magazine – Your source for inspiring Newcastle news.
