A group of adrenaline-fuelled parents have taken off on an epic cycle challenge to raise £10,000 for a Kew school.

Sabina Mangosi, 51, a parent and governor of Kew Riverside Primary School, is one of 26 novice cyclists riding in the sponsored 255km cycle from Kew to Bruges in just 36 hours.

The determined cyclists departed today (May 19) and have taken it upon themselves to raise enough funds to help develop and improve the school fields and build an adventure playground for the children.

Ms Mangosi said: “I am a little bit nervous about it but still excited – we have been training hard throughout the winter months as most people taking part are totally new to road cycling.

"Before January several of those participating didn’t even have road bikes and it is a very far distance for any cyclist so it is a big challenge and puts a lot of people out of their comfort zone.”

Kitted out in bespoke lycra, featuring combined designs from five children’s drawings who won a school competition, the pack took off from the playground at 8.45am for the gruelling mileage that awaits them.

“It is all for the school – everyone knows there are huge funding cuts and it is posing a big threat to the future of the school and we want to do everything to stop this,” the cyclist added.

“There are some very talented staff, teachers and a brand-new headmaster who has great visions for the school so we need to capitalize on this and protect our children’s future education.”

Already raising £8,725 the group are hoping that with lots of tweets and pictures along the way to keep everyone updated on their journey the funds will continue to pour in.

The money raised will go towards creating and maintaining sustainable vegetable and fruit plots, providing Forest School education, sourcing gardening supplies, building a trim trail and an outdoor play facilities.

With funding cuts across the public sector the school have been finding ways to get creative and show initiative at how additional fund raising can benefit the children both short and longer-term.

If you want to find out more or support the school cycle challenge go to https://www.gofundme.com/KRPScyclechallengeMay2017 and check out @londoncitymum to keep updated on the journey.