My name’s Duncan and I’m the head of Physical Education at Stewards Academy. The reason I’ve decided to become a cycling champion and take part in Ford RideLondon-Essex is to help inspire my students and act as a role model for them to get on their bike and be more physically active.

I took part in the 100-mile event last year, raising money for Marie Curie as they looked after my brother-in-law who sadly passed away from cancer. I hope to take on the challenge this year in his memory and to help raise money for the Active Essex Foundation.

I hope to engage my students with Ford RideLondon-Essex by encouraging them to cycle to school on ‘Wheelie Wednesday’, with the hope that the children continue to travel actively as a result. I also hope to inspire the students to take up cycling as a lifelong leisure activity by helping to promote the benefits of two wheels.