I’m Paul and I am the deputy headteacher at Woodville Primary School in South Woodham Ferrers, and I’m hoping to complete the Ford RideLondon-Essex 100-mile route in May.

I’m already an avid cyclist. Once a week, I like to complete a round trip of 50 miles by travelling by bike to school. Over the past few years, both the Women’s and Men’s Tour of Britain have ridden past our school, and I’ve organised for our children and their families to watch the race go by. I took these opportunities to preach the positive impacts cycling can have on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Last year I took part in the London to Brighton bike ride in memory of my dad who sadly passed away the previous year due to heart problems, so I was seeking a new challenge to take on this year. I hope that by taking part in Ford RideLondon-Essex, as well as through being our School Active Travel Plan Coordinator, I can continue to inspire children at my school to jump on their bikes and explore the fantastic countryside that we have in Essex.