York teacher Richard Mann in 1,000-mile bike ride tribute to All Saints’ School pupil John Jallorina (From York Press)

York teacher Richard Mann in 1,000-mile bike ride tribute to All Saints’ School pupil John Jallorina

9:01am Thursday 23rd July 2009

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A TEACHER from York aims to cycle the length of the country in only nine days in memory of a pupil at his school who died from cancer.

Richard Mann, head of music at All Saints’ RC School, in York, will take to his bike next month to pedal the 1,000 miles between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

He was inspired to take on the challenge in memory of 13-year-old John Jallorina, who lost his 18-month battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year.

Richard, 29, who lives in South Bank, aims to raise £3,000, of which half will go to Macmillan Cancer Support and half towards new sports equipment for his school.

He said: “John was an amazing sportsmen and I want half the money I raise to go to our PE department to buy sports equipment in his memory.

“I think he would be really pleased. He loved his sport so much. He was a great rugby player and when he was able to come into school during his treatment he was always having a good chat about sport.

“He was a hugely popular lad and his form has been really supportive of what I’m doing. All the pupils think I’m mad, but I’ve been blown away by their generosity.

“I sent out a letter to all parents and within two days I had £700.”

Richard’s wife, Andrea, who is a teacher at St Barnabas Primary School, in York, will be nearly eight months pregnant when he sets off on the gruelling ride on August 8.

“I don’t think she’s entirely happy with me going then, but it was planned before we knew Andrea was pregnant and once I’ve got an idea in my head I’ve got to follow it through,” he said. “I’m like a bull in a china shop.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I know if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it once we’ve got a baby.”

Richard, who enjoys fell running, said he wanted to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support because of the support his family received from the charity when Andrea’s grandparents died of cancer last year.

“Macmillan was absolutely amazing,” he said.

“It was a really difficult time for my family and the care and support they gave us was fantastic.”

If you would like to sponsor Richard, log on to justgiving.com/rmann_lejog2009

Richard would like to thank Cycle Heaven, in Bishopthorpe Road, and York Cycleworks, in Lawrence Street, who have given him equipment for the ride.