A STUDENT is set to embark on a mammoth bike ride to support his former school teacher.

Thomas Mulvihill, 19, will ride 488km across Wales for St Francis School teacher Laura Clements who suffers with the rare life-threatening disease Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM).

All proceeds will go to the ButterflyAVM charity, with Thomas taking inspiration from 12-year-old Pride of Britain award winner Nikki Christou who also suffers from the disease.

Laura said: “Thomas and I still talk regularly and when he saw Nikki’s bravery on the Pride of Britain awards it gave him a better understanding of my condition and he wanted to help.

Bracknell News:

“Thomas struggled throughout his education being severely dyslexic and having verbal articulatory dyspraxia but he is now 19-years-old and we still talk regularly.

“Along with his family I have always supported Thomas through his education and been there for him through the many challenges he has faced.

“He saw Nikki on Pride of Britain Awards which gave him a better understanding of my illness and gave him the idea to raise money for the Butterfly AVM charity as a thank you for my help.

“Thomas has always loved cycling and having researched a number of ideas he came across the Dragon Ride L’Etape Wales run by Le Tour De France, spanning 488km over three days.”

Bracknell News:

Anne Mulvihill, Thomas’ mum, and Laura have arranged a party in the park send off for Thomas at St Francis School on Sunday, May 21 from 1pm to 4pm at St Francis School.

The event is also in aid of the Butterfly AVM charity with Junior Great British Bake Off winner Nikki also hoping to attend if she feels well enough.

Laura added: “I am absolutely over the moon with all this amazing support!

“I have been working as a one-to-one teaching assistant at St Francis for 13 years and have helped some amazing children. Thomas’ ride is a truly inspirational story.

“I would also like to thank Spokes of Bagshot for supplying Thomas with a bike and a shirt along with a £200 voucher for our raffle.”