Goole headteacher’s cycling challenge raises £3,000

A primary school headteacher from Goole took on a 100-mile cycle challenge to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research after a colleague was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Liam Jackson decided to fundraise to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Yorkshire after his fellow teacher Charlotte Harris was introduced to the charity during her cancer treatment.  

Liam, who is headteacher at both Barmby on the Marsh and Reedness Primary Schools said: “It was an important choice because we knew the funds raised would help a lot of other people as well as Charlotte.

"We were keen to make sure that the money was kept local, so it helped people living in our area.”

Liam took part in the Flat 100 sportive, which involved completing a 100-mile circular route from Thorne, near Doncaster.

He initially set the fundraising target for the ‘fast and flat’ cycling event at £500, but as the big day got closer, he realised the extent of the support and donations which meant that the target was surpassed before he set foot on the pedals.

He said: “The community has been so important in the fundraising effort. Parents and governors at each of the schools have really got behind it – and even people I don’t know have donated.”

The JustGiving page now stands at over £3,000, which Liam says is “a huge amount, more than we’d ever thought we’d raise.”

Liam battled with the June heat to finish the challenge in six hours.

He said: “I was a bit emotional at the end, because I kept thinking that each mile was more money raised, so that was a great motivator.”

Charlotte remained his main motivation throughout the challenge, and was involved throughout the whole process, tracking and sharing news of Liam’s progress as he completed the 100 miles.

Liam was keen to stress that the whole thing was a team effort, and his medal ultimately went to his colleague. He said: “I just did my tiny bit to help, she deserved it way more than me.”

Charlotte has maintained her support for Liam saying: “He gave our school community the inspiration to show off their generosity, and raise a huge amount of money, which will undoubtedly save many lives in the future. He’s my hero.”

Find out more about fundraising for Yorkshire Cancer Research