By James Vukmirovic

Copyright expressandstar

The 15 students from Aldersley High School will be taking on a 436-mile virtual bike ride from Wolverhampton to the Parc des Princes in Paris on November 14.

The ride was inspired by the recent 24-hour non-stop ride completed by Manny Singh Kang in Wolverhampton and will also be raising funds in support of Dementia UK.

It’s the first charity event on the academic year at the school and is part of the Paris Saint-Germain Academy West Midlands Rising Stars Programme, which is designed to identify and nurture talent among students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 and focuses on equipping young people with transferable life skills that will serve them in education, employment and everyday life.

Sponsored by Champions League winners PSG, each Rising Star is paired with a mentor, a sixth form Paris Saint-Germain Academy player currently completing their A Levels, with pairings based on shared interests and future aspirations.

The students will cycle in two-hour stints, collectively covering the distance to the Parc des Princes, the home of Paris Saint-Germain, with Manny Singh Kang also completing two hours alongside the headteacher Stephen Blower and project lead Wayne Spicer.

Mr Spicer said he was proud to see his pupils taking on such a big challenge and spoke about how the programme helped them as people and the support they would receive on the day.

He said: “It’s a proud moment as, originally, we’d set up the programme to give the students some life skills, rather than just focussing on academics and I think it’s important, especially in this day and age, that we are teaching our young people that there is more to life than just sticking your head in a book.

“The main network of support on the day is going to be the mentors, who are all in sixth form, plus we’ll have quite a few other people coming in to show their support as well, including the Mayor of Wolverhampton and Andy Pearce, who is a community supporter.

“The main bulk of support will be from their peers, which is going to be really crucial to them.

“The Rising Stars Programme is about more than sport, it’s about giving young people the skills and confidence to succeed in life, while also encouraging them to make a positive impact in their community.

“This event is a fantastic way for our students to challenge themselves, raise awareness for a vital cause, and show the power of teamwork and resilience.”

Manny Singh Kang offered his own support for the students.

He said: “I’m so proud to be part of the Rising Stars programme at Aldersley High School with Paris Saint-Germain West Midlands Academy.

“As an ambassador for the programme and also Dementia UK, it’s inspiring to see these amazing young students raising money and awareness for such an important cause.

“On November 14, I’ll be joining their virtual bike ride from Wolverhampton to Paris, supporting families living with dementia every day.”

Andy Pearce said he had seen the effects of Dementia from his grandmother and father and praised the students.

He said: “I am humbled and very grateful to be invited to assist some truly wonderful people raising valuable funds for Dementia UK in a virtual bike ride from Wolverhampton to Parc des Princes in Paris by the PSG Academy West Midlands Rising Stars Programme and Aldersley High School.

“Dementia is such a cruel disease and is very close to my heart, having seen my Nan and Dad suffer.”

The ride will take place on November 14 from 9am to 3pm at Aldersley High School, with a JustGiving page set up for people to donate at.