Malet Lambert joins the list of stops visited by St Andrew’s C of E Primary School headteacher, Mr Huckstep, as he continues his amazing challenge to cycle 1250 miles to raise awareness of the increasing concerns over children’s health.
Mr Huckstep, who began his challenge on 24th February, has already visited schools and sites covering just over 100 miles in three days, including Withernsea and Hull Royal Children’s Ward, and will continue on into Easter, visiting many schools and places across the area.
With each visit Mr Huckstep delivers a ‘Gift of Love’ from the family of St Andrew’s as well as a ‘Letter of Friendship’ from the pupils of St Andrew’s.
Mr Huckstep sees visiting these schools as a great way to better the bonds between them and to create a network of support and cooperation between the schools in the goal of tackling issues of children’s physical and mental wellbeing and Mr Huckstep is found the reception from his visits positive.
“What I’m finding so far is a huge sincere welcome from Heads, from leisure centres and from the children’s wards I’ve been visiting.”
The charities that will benefit from Mr Huckstep’s challenge include Teenage Cancer Trust, Cancer Research, MIND, British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK and Water Aid. As well as these charities it is also hoped that donations of toys and resources can be raised and made to Hull Royal Infirmary, Castle Hill, Dove House Hospice, Sunshine House and CAMHs.
What started as a route of 1000 miles was soon scaled up to 1250 miles as the route was finalised. The challenge has not, however, stopped Mr Huckstep from carrying on and fulfilling who normal duties as a headtecher. With his work at St Andrew’s remaining a priority Mr Huckstep manages to complete his visits and rack up his miles in and around his working day.
“My assemblies don’t stop, my staff meetings don’t stop and if any parent wanted they could contact me immediately.”
While most of his journey is still ahead of him Mr Huckstep is still as determined as ever.
“I’ve still got the drive to carry on. I am totally focussed, a lot of people call me stubborn but raising awareness of children’s health, I can’t think of a more important issue.”
We at Malet Lambert would like to congratulate Mr Huckstep on the tremendous effort he has made on his challenge so far and also to wish him the best of luck over the coming weeks as he completes his goal.
Mr Sprakes, our headteacher, expresses the school's support of Mr Huckstep's inspiring dedication.
"It was a pleasure to welcome Graham to Malet Lambert this morning. The first thing I did was congratulate him. Physically, biking 1250 miles is amazing, but most of all I was so impressed with his huge desire to raise awareness of many aspects of mental health. Thank you for stopping by to see us along the journey, Graham. We all look forward to following your progress.”
To find out more about Mr Huckstep’s challenge, and to make a donation, please visit http://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/1250challenge