HEADTEACHER Jon Moise-Souch was one of a trio hoping to break the £3,500 mark with a charity ride which saw them visit all eight Moorland Federation schools in one day.

Mr Moise-Souch, of Langford Budville Primary School, joined Dunster First School’s Paul James, and Lucy Walker-Blair, of St Dubricius First School, Porlock, to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

They were joined by parent Matt Price, whose son Oliver was killed in July when a coach carrying Minehead Middle School pupils back from an outing crashed on the A396 between Timberscombe and Cutcombe.

Oliver, aged 10, was a former pupil of Dunster school and the air ambulance was part of the emergency response to the crash.

The four cyclists rode 53 miles of Exmoor roads to complete the roster of federation schools, starting from St Dubricius and calling at Dunster, Timberscombe, Cutcombe, Exford, Dulverton Junior and All Saints Schools, before finishing in Langford Budville.

The ‘Heads Up for Air Rescue’ ride has so far brought in £3,220,including Gift Aid, and they are now hoping to increase it to £3,500, which is the average cost of an air ambulance mission.

A federation spokesperson said: “From the moment the riders set off, the support from our school communities was exceptional.

“At each stop, pupils poured out on to playgrounds, fields, and car parks to deliver some of the loudest cheering the federation has ever heard.

“Every school pulled out all the stops, hand-painted signs, banners, flags, and homemade cakes awaited the cyclists at each arrival and departure.

“Not to be outdone, Minehead Middle School’s year six pupils lined the roadside to give the riders a tremendous welcome as they passed, adding to the energy and excitement of the day.

“Along the route, residents stepped out on to driveways and village lanes to wave, clap, and shout encouragement, creating a sense of community unity that carried the team through every mile.”

However, the weather was less kind with harsh rain, biting winds, and stinging cold conditions setting in near Dulverton and continuing for the rest of the day until sunshine broke through as they reached Langford Budville.

The spokesperson said: “Trying to sum up the emotion of the day is difficult.

“To say we are proud does not begin to capture the heroic resilience, spirit, and dedication shown by the riders, nor the extraordinary support from children, staff, families, and the wider community.

“Thanks to this incredible effort, our fund-raising total has reached £3,220.

“We are now hoping to surpass £3,500, which would cover the cost of a single air ambulance mission, something that would mean the world to everybody involved in this challenge.

“Donations remain open, and any additional support, no matter how small, brings us closer to funding that single, life-saving mission.”

The spokesperson thanked everybody who supported the day and local businesses which had generously contributed.

They said: “This event has highlighted the strength of our community and the incredible impact we can achieve when we come together for a vital cause.”