Pupils at a North East school will brave gruelling hills and anything the weather can throw at them as they cycle 136 
miles across the country in the name of charity.
Year 10 and 11 students, as well as teachers, from Polam Hall independent day and boarding school, in Darlington are aiming to raise £5,000 as they take on the coast to coast challenge.
The three-day bike ride, from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast to Tynemouth on the east coast, will generate vital funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Zoe’s Place – a baby hospice in Middlesbrough.
Nine students and headmaster John Moreland are among the 16-strong team that has been undergoing a tough training regime to prepare for the charity challenge on June 28th.
Helen Fletcher, a teacher at the school, said: “It will be the biggest challenge I've ever undertaken. After cycling in Spain last year I felt it was a challenge that I could now take on but I’m quite nervous as the event is quickly approaching.
“Most students have begun their GCSE exams and are now busy revising so fitting in practice rides has been quite challenging.”
Year 11 student Eleanor Harder said: “We’ve had a lot of support from our peers and staff at Polam Hall, particularly in our training sessions where we have tackled some fair distances and climbed challenging hills.
“Knowing that we are raising money for two charities that help young people has pushed us on to achieve our aim. I am looking forward to completing this challenge and trying to raise a lot of money for the two wonderful charities.”
On the back of the coast to coast challenge, the school has set up a cycling club called Polam Hall Spokes, which will continue after the bike ride.
Polam Hall is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for boys and girls aged between three and 18 years old.
It has been based at its site in Darlington since 1854 and prides itself on maintaining its traditional values and rich heritage while being able to offer pupils the strongest possible skills for the future.
For more information on the school visit: www.polamhall.com.
To sponsor the Polam Hall cyclists visit: http://goo.gl/0SRaQ