Michael Birnie, a dedicated father and governor at Hatherop Primary School, is gearing up for an extraordinary challenge: a nonstop 24-hour cycling ride through the picturesque Cotswolds. Starting at 9:00 AM on Thursday, July 17, Michael will circle the villages of Hatherop, Fairford, Quenington, and Coln St Aldwyns repeatedly, returning to the school gates only to set off again, all to raise vital funds for his children’s school.
“This school may be small, but its heart and spirit are immense,” Michael explains. “The Big Build project is essential to provide a better learning environment, and I wanted to show my commitment with a bold, even a bit crazy, gesture.”
The ride supports the Big Build campaign, a community-driven initiative aiming to raise £1.5 million to transform the school’s facilities. Key projects include enlarging an overcrowded classroom and replacing a dilapidated prefab building that threatens daily operations.
READ MORE: Live Updates on the M5 Cotswolds Designer Outlet Preview Week Near Tewkesbury
READ MORE: Robust Police Plans Set for Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 at RAF Fairford
Community members are invited to lend their support by sponsoring miles, joining Michael for a lap—especially during the challenging overnight hours between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM—or simply cheering him on as he pedals past in the dark. “Every bit of support will keep me going and help secure a better future for our children,” says Michael.
The event will kick off with enthusiastic cheers from students and staff outside Hatherop Primary, with a celebratory welcome planned when Michael completes his ride at 9:00 AM Friday morning.
Initial stages of the Big Build are already underway, including relocation of the school office and expansion of the Year 4 classroom, with these improvements set for completion before the autumn term. The most critical upcoming phase involves replacing the unsafe Elliot Building with a modern school hall that will benefit both the school and the wider community.