Priory School pupil completes Land's End to John O’Groats distance challenge for NHS

While Priory School pupil, Judah Hurr, 13, is not literally cycling the famous UK-length route he is covering the equivalent 866 miles on his bike which is set up on rollers at his Southsea home. The kind-hearted teenager took on the two-week ride as part of his school’s lockdown challenge to raise money for the Portsmouth Hospitals Charity.

Judah, who cycled around the Isle of Wight, aged six, as well as the Devon Coast to Coast, said: ‘I wanted to do something that was harder than anything I’d done before and this is a classic ride which was a real challenge.

‘I also wanted to support the NHS. They are under so much stress at the moment and I wanted to do what I could to help.’

Judah, who saddled up at 7am every morning and cycled an average of 64 miles each day, said the biggest challenges to overcome was the heat and dealing with the boredom of cycling indoors.

‘Unlike outside you don’t get the breeze to cool you down or the scenery you would pass by. Some days I would get really tired and fortunately I had my podcasts to keep me going,’ said Judah.

Supporting the mammoth effort was mum, Sophie Hurr, 46, who kept Judah energised and hydrated with a plentiful supply of drinks and snacks.

Sophie said: ‘I’m really proud of what Judah has done – particularly as it’s a challenge he initiated himself.’

The Year 8 pupil’s sterling efforts have helped to raise more than £1,200 as part of Priory School’s fundraising initiative which has also seen key worker children run the equivalent of three marathons and 40 children completing their own home challenges.

Organiser and pastoral outreach worker, Katherine Hughes, said: ‘This is an incredible effort and we are very proud.’

Headteacher, Stewart Vaughan, added: ‘We are phenomenally proud of Judah and the commitment he has shown to make a difference to others.’

Go to the school’s JustGiving page to support Judah’s incredible effort alongside other children at the school.

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