Bournemouth, Charity | Posted on October 21st, 2026 | return to news

SEN students static-cycle to Liverpool and back

Students from SWRAC’s Specialist College in Boscombe were raising funds for The Well Coffee Lounge in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade.

Students from SWRAC’s specialist college in Boscombe have clocked up 540 miles on a static bike to raise funds for charity.

The plan was to ride the exercise bike for 260 miles – the journey to Liverpool – but the students surprised tutors by jumping back on and riding another 280 miles.

The challenge was for the Community Action Project module of their Prepare for Work course.

SWRAC Supported Internship Tutor and Enterprise Lead Will Lewis said: “The students agreed to take turns riding an exercise bike the equivalent distance to Liverpool, where SWRAC also has a college, to raise money for The Well Coffee Lounge in Boscombe’s Royal Arcade.

“The Well is a community-focused café run by the Safe and Sound Dorset charity and is also a great supporter of SWRAC, regularly offering work experience and employment opportunities to our students.

“During the challenge, the students really got stuck in, and before long they had reached their 260-mile target, so they decided to keep going.

“When it was all over, they were tired but very proud of themselves and they had raised £280 for the café.”

SWRAC supports young people with special educational needs through tailored learning programmes, vocational training, and work experience to help them thrive in education, employment, and society.

Along with its campus in Boscombe, it has colleges in Winton, Dorchester, Liverpool, Southport, and Widnes.

SWRAC Employer Engagement Officer Dionne Polychronopulos said: “It was great to see the students working as a team, taking their turn to ride, and cheering each other on and they are all very pleased that their efforts will go towards the café’s work hosting and supporting local initiatives and vulnerable groups.”

Student Kayleigh Bergquist, 23, who took time out of her work experience at The Well Coffee Lounge to take part in the static ride said: “I don’t usually ride a bike, but I wanted to be part of the ride because I am enjoying being part of the team at the café so much.

“I have been at SWRAC for a year, and I am really enjoying the Prepare for Work programme. As well as doing fun things like this I am learning so much at the café and growing my confidence by talking and helping the customers.

“I like it so much that I have decided that I want to go into a job in hospitality.”

Ola Suddrey, manager of The Well Coffee Lounge said: “We are so proud of Kayleigh and all the other students who put so much effort and energy into the bike ride, and we are very grateful for their generous donation. Thank you for letting us be a part of this fantastic venture.