A MARATHON bike ride by pupil Nic will help the Orchard Manor School spread mindfulness in its community.

Thirteen-year-old Nic has been going to Orchard Manor School for five years.

A few weeks ago he decided that he wanted to raise some money for the ‘Mindfulness Benches’ project to put seating around the school.

A school spokesperson explained: ‘These are benches that will be placed in particularly peaceful and beautiful parts of our school grounds, where visitors, children and staff can practise “Mindfulness” and take some time out of the day to focus on breathing, reduce stress and be in the moment, while enjoying nature around them.’

Nic said he was going to cycle 100 miles in one day, and raise £1,000 for the PSFA fundraising team.

‘After a few weeks training, a very determined young man and our PE teacher Catherine went to the Torbay Velopark in Paignton, the spokesperson comtinued.

‘They started out early in the morning and by 6pm in the early evening, he did indeed complete the 100 miles, raising more than £1,000.

‘The director of the Special Partnership Trust, Guy Chappell, was so impressed with this challenge, he said the trust would seek additional funds to match any fundraising total Nic made.

‘We now have an extremely impressive £2,196 for the PFSA and Mindfulness Benches.

‘We would just like to say that we are extremely proud of Nic for his dedication and for committing to what would be a daunting task for most 13-year-old children, and for making a very impressive £1,098 for the school. Well done!’