Charity Cycling Raises Over £190,000 for Skylarks Charity and Local Schools
October 23, 2026
This summer, six schools across southwest London came together with Skylarks Charity to take on an inspiring series of cycling challenges, raising an incredible £190,000+ to support children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, alongside their own school communities.
Over six rides, parents, teachers, students and supporters cycled hundreds of miles across Europe, travelling from London to Paris and Amsterdam, demonstrating remarkable teamwork, determination and community spirit.
The partnering schools were Kew House School, Barnes Primary School, Fulham Boys School, Holy Trinity CE Primary School, King's C of E Primary School and Orleans Primary School. Funds raised were shared equally between Skylarks and each school, with the exception of Kew House School, who generously donated 100% of their fundraising to Skylarks Charity.
A remarkable challenge for Skylarks
Leading the rides was Mitch Pender, Skylarks Trustee and father of a child with additional needs, who completed an extraordinary 2,100km cycling challenge across six rides between London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Now in his ninth year of charity fundraising rides at Skylarks, Mitch dedicated his challenge entirely to Skylarks, ensuring every pound raised would help support local families.
“My daughter lives with SYNGAP1, a rare genetic condition that affects her development, communication, and daily life. When we first received her diagnosis, we were overwhelmed. Then we found Skylarks, a local charity that welcomes children with additional needs and gives families like ours a place to breathe, connect, and feel understood.
Skylarks offers therapies, activities, advice, and a community that genuinely changes lives. They show up for families like ours every single day. I want to show up for them too.” Mitch Pender (Skylarks Trustee & Charity Cycling Ride Leader)
More than just a bike ride
The cycling challenges brought together people from different schools and communities, many of whom had never taken on a charity ride to Europe before.
Claire Green from Kew House School said:
"I'd never ridden a road bike before, let alone imagined cycling all the way to Paris. With the support of the Skylarks cycling team, I achieved something I never thought possible while raising money for a wonderful cause. It was an experience I'll never forget."
Other riders reflected on the sense of community the rides created:
"Riding for Skylarks and our local school has been an incredible experience. It's a great way to meet other parents while giving something back to both our school and a charity that provides such vital support to so many families."
"One of the greatest privileges is doing something challenging for someone else. This ride reminded me of the importance of community, generosity and supporting one another."
"A team of legends! The preparation for the rides and the support throughout were outstanding. Thank you for an unforgettable experience and, even more importantly, for the incredible support Skylarks provides all year round to children and their families."
Supporting local families
Funds raised for Skylarks will help continue providing free activities, therapies, advice and support for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, their siblings, and parents and carers across Richmond, Hounslow and beyond.
From inclusive play sessions and therapies to family support, employability programmes and holiday activities, Skylarks helps thousands of families feel more connected, supported and less isolated.
We’re already taking bookings for next year. Please contact us at events@skylarks.charity and let's pedal together for our community in 2027.