Staff and pupils gathered by the Sunken Lawn last Monday to cheer on Year 7 sports scholar Maxwell, as he completed an inspiring 10K charity bike ride during his PE lesson. Raising funds for Power Up To Play, Maxwell’s challenge marks a significant milestone in his recovery journey following knee surgery.
Back in March, Maxwell tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during a ski competition in Italy. Following ACL reconstruction surgery and months of rehabilitation, Maxwell is now using his experience to raise awareness about ACL injuries in young athletes.
Organised with support from his sports teacher Mr Malbon, Maxwell decided to embark on a 10-kilometre loop from school during his PE lesson. To mark the occasion, pupils and staff from Reception through to Year 8 lined the Sunken Lawn to cheer Maxwell across the finish line.
Reflecting on the overwhelming turnout at the finish line, Maxwell shared his appreciation for his peers and teachers: “I feel really emotional that all my friends came and cheered me at the end. I’m really thankful to Mr Malbon for organising it.”
Maxwell was accompanied by his dad along the cycle ride, while his mum and sister, Rosie, waited at the finish line to welcome him back to school. Expressing her gratitude for the school’s encouragement, Maxwell’s mum said: “The support he received from his friends and teachers is something we will never forget. Seeing everyone cheering him on was incredibly emotional and reminded him that he has never been alone on this journey.”
Maxwell has surpassed his initial fundraising target of £1,000 for Power Up To Play, a charity working to raise awareness of serious knee injuries in young people and promote prevention through education for schools, coaches, and families.
Praising Maxwell’s resilience and determination, sports teacher Craig Malbon added:
“This was a really significant milestone for Maxwell following his ACL reconstruction, and it was great to see the school community helping him celebrate his achievement.”
