A SUCCESSFUL #SPINFORWILL
It was all about pedal power on Saturday 3rd February, when close to 100 people took part in a charity 6-hour spinathon, #Spinforwill, in aid of the ‘Just William Appeal’. Spinning, or indoor cycling, is a form of aerobic exercise to music, that uses a specially designed stationary bike. The upbeat tunes set the tone for the day pumping through the Thomas Arnold Hall sound system. Thirteen bikes, three Fit 2 Perform instructors and audience participation, motivated everyone through the six hours creating a wonderful sense of team and community spirit.
The Spinathon was organised by Year 9 pupil, Imogen Brumby, for her Foundation Project Qualification. She was inspired to help the Edkins family who are on the second leg of raising £40,000 to help adapt their home to support William, their son, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy.
The Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ) is the equivalent of a Level 1 GCSE. Pupils can complete a 1000 word report or they can create an artefact such as a magazine, a scientific investigation, an event or a product. The FPQ encourages pupils to use their learning experiences to support their personal aspirations for further study and career development.
Imogen explained why she felt moved to help, “I wanted to help the Edkins raise some of the much needed funds to make William’s life more comfortable. I hoped to organise something that I enjoy doing and encourage the school and local community to become involved.”
She certainly did that! Supported by the entire school and local community, #Spinforwill, was a fast paced, fun event. Spinners came committed, full of energy and dressed in a blue #SpinforWill t-shirt, to take part in this team-spirited event. From the youngest spinners, Amelie Mortimer (age 9) and Edward Doyle-Davidson (age 10), to the oldest, Immie’s grandfather, spinning more than his fair share of spinning slots! With pupils taking their turn between sports fixtures, staff, parents and the wonderful Warminster School Parents’ Committee all taking their allotted spin slots, there was help from everyone. Alex Rall, Head Chef at Warminster School kept the spinners refuelled during the day with refreshments and the obligatory pasta pot or two!
Imogen was delighted with the turn out and support she received, “It was wonderful to see everyone involved. I received support from all areas of School and the local community. With everyone’s help and generosity of Fit 2 Perform, we have gone over target and raised close to £1,800 for the Edkins Family.”
Local fitness studio, Fit 2 Perform, helped run the Spinathon and kindly provided spinning bikes for the event. Instructors Richard Young, Kate Lawes and Jenna Jackson did a sterling job inspiring and encouraging the spinners in their cycling task. Every bike and spinning slot was filled throughout the day; riders averaged 12km every half hour – 144km for those spinning the duration and a collective ride of 1,872km. To put this into perspective, a cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats is 1,407km.
Richard Young, owner of Fit 2 Perform said, “I was so impressed with Immie’s drive and determination when she approached us to help with the #Spinforwill idea, that we couldn’t refuse. It was a pleasure for us to be involved raising money for such a good cause.”
The Headmaster, Mark Mortimer, spinning on Bike number 7, commented “Spin for Will was a wonderful occasion. Six hours of frenetic spinning, loud music, good food and enthusiasm. It was lovely to see so many pupils, parents, staff and members of the local community come together and give up their time to support such an inspiring young man (not what I was thinking when he kept telling me to pedal harder!). Thank you to everybody who took part. I am very grateful to Fit 2 Perform for their magnificent and energetic support; most of all, however, I am extremely proud of Imogen Brumby, the young lady whose commitment, determination and superb organisation was behind the whole event. On top of that, she then cycled the entire six hours. She is a wonderful ambassador for Warminster School.”
Highlights from #Spinforwill kindly filmed by Yellow Balloon Films.
JustGiving Page if you would like to donate https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/immie-brumby