Harrow School Online student completes London to Brighton cycle ride to raise money for Macmillan cancer
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Rachael Hobbs
This week, Omar Mehrez, a year 12 student at Harrow School Online, completed the gruelling 85km London to Brighton cycle ride. At just 17, he was one of the youngest contestants to take part.
Omar, who only started cycling regularly in January, has been doing 2-3 hours of intense cycling every week in preparation for the event.
Omar says, “I don’t think any other school is as flexible and supportive as Harrow School Online is, I have been able to do all my sport commitments whilst maintaining my high academic results.” This is no easy feat, given that he is studying four demanding A Levels.
After a very early start, Omar pedalled through South London, into suburbia and then the countryside beyond. Finally – and not for the faint-hearted – he powered the steep climb over the South Downs before dropping down into Brighton in just under four hours.
He says, “I am very happy that I played my part in raising money for Macmillan cancer research. I picked this charity as I have a personal relation to it because one of my family members had cancer. I am very happy that I can do such activities and I strongly feel that using my high sporting abilities and determination does not only bring a good outcome for me, but it gives me comfort to know that it helps others in need.”
His aspirations do not end here. Omar aims to undertake the London to Brighton cycle again next year, and is looking for sponsors for that journey. He also hopes to bring together a team from Harrow School Online. Given the support he had – a couple of peers were there to in person to cheer him on – we look forward to seeing what he achieves next!
Omar says: “I am really proud ... what made me happier is that the school’s daily structure enabled me to do it. I also would like to thank my biology teacher/form tutor for her on-going support, as well as Mr Waters, my Success Coach for helping me organise my time and complete my work whilst training.”