Bracknell

Two wheels and pedal power will be way to get around the largest country in South America for one of Bracknell Forest's more adventurous headteachers.

Dave Donaldson, 60, headteacher at Wildridings Primary School in Bracknell is set to take part in this year’s Brazil Bike Ride in August, a sponsored event to raise cash for charity Mencap that works with people with learning disabilities.

Now in his thirtieth year as headteacher at the Bracknell Forest school Dave will ride 325 kilometres from the mountainous Ouro Preto region of Minas Gerais to Rio de Janeiro.

And this isn’t the first time he's taken up a major fundraising challenge for charity. In 2001 he raised cash for Mencap in a bike ride in China and since 1984 he’s been a regular participant in the annual fifty mile Three Counties Cycle Ride. In 1980 he rode all 860 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in seven days in another charity event.

Commenting on his forthcoming trip to Brazil which starts on August 10, Dave said: “I’m hoping to raise at least £3000 for Mencap which would work out at £100 for every year of my headship at Wildridings!

“Mencap is a great charity doing much valuable work so I’m delighted to have the chance to raise funds for them again while taking on what promises to be one of my toughest cycling challenges yet.”

Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services & Libraries said: "Dave is certainly one of our more adventurous headteachers who has managed to raise much needed cash for a good cause over the years.

"On behalf everyone at the Council I'd like to wish him the best of luck in Brazil."

If you would like to sponsor Dave then call Wildridings Primary School for a sponsorship form, tel: 01344 425483 or email him at: head@office.wildridings.bracknell-forest.sch.uk

Bracknell Forest Borough Council