Head South
Tuesday 7th July – Sunday 19th July 2009
The three cyclists will pass through Blundell’s around 11:00am on Friday 17th July and will stop at the Prep School for a short time to meet the Press and their supporters.
The Head South event is underway - see the Head Master's blog on the news page.
Be part of something special – no doubt the most taxing cycle ride in Britain but probably the most fulfilling challenge, cycling the length of Britain is an ambition many cyclists aspire to and fulfil each year. This forthcoming school year the Blundell’s Prep and Senior School's two headmasters and a deputy head will be undertaking this test in a unique partnership with Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
Land’s End to John O’Groats is the furthest possible distance in the British Isles. Cycling this distance presents a challenge that takes in many wonderful parts of Britain: crossing mountains and past lochs in Scotland, skimming the Lake District, down on through Wales and across Dartmoor culminating in the coastal region of Cornwall. Over 1000 miles in just 13 days. A demanding and tough challenge but what a wonderful way to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance and some key projects identified by the students themselves for the Junior and Senior Schools.
Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director at Devon Air Ambulance Trust said, “We would like to thank Blundell’s for their support of the charity and for choosing us as co-beneficiary for all of their hard work in this event. Without the support of people like them we would not be able to continue to further develop this essential life saving service. We ask everyone to support this event as generously as they can”.
The Participants
Ian Davenport, Head Master of Blundell’s School said, “Bob Monkhouse once said 'Growing old is compulsory, but growing up is optional'. 
I followed his advice when I agreed to cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End because it allows me to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and also raise some funds for a couple of additional projects such as the Fives courts restoration at school.”
Nick Folland, Headmaster of Blundell’s Prep School said, “One of my heroes was cricketing legend David Gower. I had the great pleasure of playing against him several times and I was always disappointed when he was out! When asked about his gift for batting he replied that it was actually 'hard work making batting look effortless.' I already realise that John O'Groats to Land's End will be hard work and I also know that I will not be making it look effortless! I look forward to finishing, hopefully being able to enjoy some of it and raising money for two great causes - Devon Air Ambulance and our school.”
Richard Cross, Deputy Headmaster of Blundell’s Prep School said, “I have always been a keen cyclist and many years ago cycled from the English Channel across France to the Mediterranean. John O’Groats to Land's End is a greater challenge – 200 miles longer and I’m 15 years older! The greatest challenge though will be to raise a lot of money to support the Devon Air Ambulance and the pupils of Blundell’s School”.
David Fursdon, Chairman of Governors said, “Blundell’s is deeply rooted in the Devon Community and if there is one service that provides an essential service to that community it is the Devon Air Ambulance, so I applaud this initiative to raise money for such a worthwhile cause”.
The Partnership
The Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) is the charity which raises the funds to keep Devon’s two Air Ambulances airborne. This costs in excess of £3.5 million each year. Being independent from government funding, and not eligible for Lottery funding, means that each and every penny of this sum must be raised by the community, businesses and friends of Devon.
The charity’s mission statement is 'To relieve sickness and injury in the county of Devon by assisting in the provision of an Air Ambulance service'.
Blundell’s School - Relationships formed within the Blundell’s community are at the heart of what is a special school. We work very hard together to ensure strong academic success, but we also believe in a sense of wholeness. Manners, kindness, courtesy and humility are very important; they are not a veneer at Blundell’s but deeply rooted in the pupils. They show consideration and support for others. We are, of course, continually introducing our pupils to developments in the educational world and giving them the framework to move forward successfully into the complex world because we see Blundell's as a gateway to a wider perspective, both nationally and internationally. In short our role is to provide the pupils with the gift of both roots and wings.
What's it for?
All money raised will be split equally between DAAT - to support the newly acquired Devon Air Ambulance helicopter - and Blundell’s School, to fund and support restoration of the Fives courts at the Senior School. There will also be additional provision of mobile laptops for the Science Department and a covered play area together with playground recreational equipment at the Prep School.