A St Albans school which welcomes young people aged from two to 19 with severe, profound or multiple learning disabilities is nearly £700 better off thanks to 24-hour cycle challenge fundraiser.

Former St Columba’s College pupil Nick Reeves, who is studying at Keele University, has literally gone the extra mile by participating in a team challenge which recently took him hundreds of miles from Stoke to Brighton.

The 22 year old and his friends from Keele University Cricket Club wanted to push themselves physically while raising as much money for their chosen charities as possible.

Nick chose to support Watling View School, which provides education for children and young people from across the county.

He said: “St Columba’s has had a strong relationship with Watling View for many years and I remember playing music there when I was at school.

“I also play cricket with members of a family at Harpenden Cricket Club whose youngest son goes there, so I’m really happy to have raised money which I know will help them to continue the great work they do with children and young people with severe learning difficulties.”

One well-wisher joked: “Reevesy, hope you cycle better than you bat.”

Donations given for Nick’s cycle challenge will help the school raise funds needed to build a new sensory room.

The Old Columbian said: “There were plenty of highs and lows during our 24 hour challenge.

“We got lost - temporarily - had lots of punctures and inevitably felt considerable pain in the backside after all that time in the saddle.

“But the sense of achievement upon reaching the finish line in Brighton was overwhelming. It’s been a great experience and I’m really grateful to everyone who supported me.”