THE headteacher of a Chard school completed a 240-mile charity cycle trek - but didn’t move an inch.

On Thursday (May 14), Holyrood Academy’s Dave MacCormick completed the epic ride in support of NHS charities as part of an online event called ‘World in a Day’.

The event was organised by Mark Beaumont, who recently circumnavigated the globe by bicycle in a World Record time.

The event started at 4am and finished at 8pm, just in time to ‘Clap for our Carers’.

Mr MacCormick said: “I was delighted to take part in this amazing event but it was gruelling.

“To ride, albeit online, with Olympians, Paralympians and World Record holders was a once in a lifetime experience.

“It was quite surreal to be in my house, working from home, while riding with these great athletes.

“There was a terrific sense of camaraderie which kept me going during the tough moments. I’ve done this kind of distance out on the road a few times before but it was much tougher on a static trainer.

Holyrood staff, students and their families have raised more than £1,500 for this worthy cause so far.

“I was humbled by the support I have had from our students and their families, which was amazing,” the tired headteacher added. “It really goes to show what a fantastic community Holyrood and indeed Chard, is.”

“I have been so proud of how our school has pulled together to support our students and the community through this crisis and I hope that the money we have raised will help in a small way to help those people most in need.

“On behalf of Holyrood Academy, I would like to formally thank all key workers and especially those selfless and dedicated people who put themselves at risk in service of others while working for the NHS.

“We are so grateful to you all.”