Cycling 95km for Oakdene's New Playground Project

Friends of Oakdene Primary Academy is our school's PTFA (Parent, Teacher and Friends Association), made up of dedicated parents, carers, staff and members of the local community who work together to support the school and enrich the experiences of our children.

Like many schools across the country, Oakdene Primary Academy faces increasing financial pressures, with funding from central government often falling short of the rising costs of providing the high-quality education and opportunities that our children deserve. As a result, the support of Friends of Oakdene has never been more important.

Through fundraising events, donations and community initiatives, Friends of Oakdene helps provide valuable resources, experiences and opportunities that go beyond the school's core budget. From enhancing learning environments and purchasing additional equipment to subsidising educational visits, special events and enrichment activities, every contribution has a direct and positive impact on the children.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort and generosity shown by our PTFA members and supporters. Their commitment helps us continue to create memorable experiences and provide opportunities that inspire, engage and support every child to thrive. Every contribution, no matter how large or small, is genuinely appreciated and makes a real difference to the lives of our pupils.

Our current fundraising project aims to support improvements to the school's playground and outdoor facilities, helping to create spaces where children can develop physically, socially and emotionally. Modern play equipment does far more than provide somewhere to play. It helps children build confidence, develop coordination and motor skills, improve teamwork and communication, and encourages active, healthy lifestyles.

For many years, the children of Oakdene Primary Academy have had very limited opportunities to access dedicated outdoor play equipment and adventurous play experiences. Unlike many schools, our pupils have never had the benefit of a well-equipped outdoor play area where they can climb, balance, explore, challenge themselves and take part in imaginative play. As a result, generations of children have missed out on opportunities that support not only physical development but also resilience, problem-solving, independence and social interaction.

This project represents an opportunity to change that. By investing in high-quality outdoor facilities, we can provide our children with experiences that many of their peers elsewhere take for granted. The new equipment will help create an engaging and inclusive environment where all children can play, exercise, build friendships and develop essential life skills during their time at Oakdene. It is an investment not just in play, but in the wellbeing, happiness and development of every child who attends our school, now and in the years to come.

To help support this project, Oakdene's Chair of Governors, Paul Forester, has decided to take on a major personal challenge.

In August, Paul will travel to Sweden to participate in the Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, a gruelling 95-kilometre mountain bike event through the forests and trails of central Sweden. Inspired by one of the world's most famous endurance races, the challenge demands determination, resilience and months of preparation.

However, Paul is not undertaking this challenge for personal achievement. As Chair of Governors, he is passionate about ensuring that Oakdene children have access to the same opportunities and experiences enjoyed by pupils in many other schools. Having seen first-hand the limitations of our current outdoor provision, he wanted to play his part in helping to create something special for both current and future generations of children.

Alongside his role at Oakdene, Paul serves as Chair of Rainhill Rotary Club's Vocation and Youth Committee and is the Managing Director of local business E-Tech Components. Through these roles, he has consistently championed education, supported young people and invested in initiatives that strengthen local communities.

Every penny raised through this challenge will go towards improving Oakdene's playground and outdoor facilities. For many years, our children have had little access to dedicated outdoor play equipment and the benefits it brings. This project aims to change that by creating an engaging, inclusive and stimulating environment where children can be active, build friendships, develop confidence and create lasting memories.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, former pupil, local resident, business owner, supplier, colleague or friend, any contribution—large or small—will make a genuine difference.

Together, we can help create an environment where Oakdene children can learn, play, grow and thrive, both now and for many years to come.

Thank you for your support. ❤️