Family matters for teenage cousins riding for Spalding school

Lewis Coles, of Swineshead, (19) and Molly Smith (13), of Spalding, will be among a group of riders setting off from The Garth School, Spalding, on Sunday morning on a town-to-coast journey to the centre of Skegness where they are due to be met by the town’s mayor, Coun Dick Edgington.

But unlike most of the group due to be sent on their way on Sunday by South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes, Lewis and Molly will be riding to and from Skegness for The Garth School, named School of the Year (Primary) at the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards 2015.

Lewis, who will be starting an events management course at Lincoln University in September, said: “I cycle quite a bit as a hobby but when my cousin Molly said that she was doing the charity bike ride, I told her that I’d come and support her.

“Molly’s two brothers, my cousins, go to The Garth School so I’m taking the bike ride quite seriously.

“I’ve been getting lots of signatures and I’ve currently raised about £600 towards a sensory room for the children at the school.”

The bike ride has been organised by the Friends of the Garth School (FOGS), a group of parents and other supporters who want to raise cash for a new sensory room so that pupils can improve their senses of hearing, smell and touch.

FOGS also wants to help provide the school with new equipment for its hydrotherapy pool, just over a year after it was rated outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

Lewis said: “It’s going to be a challenge on Sunday, but it’ll be nice as well knowing that we’re doing it to help the children and making a massive difference to their lives.”

To sponsor Lewis, visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/lewis-coles#!

The head of The Garth School will be leading from the front when cyclists of all abilities ride from Spalding to Skegness on Sunday.

Dr Richard Gamman will be in a jersey and helmet for the so-called “Tour de Garth” to raise vital funds for the school.

“We are delighted that Lewis Coles is involved in the bike ride, which I will be doing myself,” Dr Gamman said.

“I am also delighted with the response from parents, staff and friends of the school to what should be a great ride.

“Hopefully, we will raise some much-needed funds to support the learning activities of our students at The Garth School.”

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Spalding to Skegness bike ride for new sensory space at The Garth School