Getting back on a bike was a giant step for one Clapton teenager who now hopes to complete Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46.
Fatma Munye suffered a cycling accident when she was eight years old but is now taking part in the PruGOals programme, which is working with 500 youngsters aged 16-18 to build their confidence and encourage personal motivation.
The 17-year-old completed the ride last year in 3hrs45mins but is now aiming for sub three hours on July 29.
“It’s an amazing opportunity that was given to me,” said the Clapton Girls’ Academy pupil during a regional training ride at the Lee Valley VeloPark Velodrome in Stratford as part of the PruGOals campaign.
“I started cycling when I was three and we had a neighbour who taught me on their bike. But I stopped cycling in secondary school.
“In year 12 I got the opportunity to do PruGOals and I jumped straight for it. You get a free bike and opportunity to be able to improve yourself.
“I got into an accident when I was eight. I became over confident and I went over a pothole. I just flipped over and I have a big scar on my league.
“It’s great to be back on the bike again and I’ve learned so much and it’s great to get over that hurdle.”
Prudential’s PruGOals programme is run in partnership with charity partners Greenhouse Sports, Transformation Trust, Centre Point, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and Teach First.
The role of the partnership is to empower young people to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of social or economic background.
Listening to the double Olympic gold medallist deliver a speech was a privilege, according to Fatma, who hopes to use her words of wisdom as inspiration for the big day.
She said: “Kelly Holmes gave us a motivational story about how the smallest thoughts can actually become huge and to follow your dreams. She pursued her dreams and that’s really motivating for me because it opens up doors for me.
“I was given a chance because somebody dropped out and I saw my friends enjoying it and I’m delighted I got the chance. I’m so thankful of this opportunity.”
PruGOals is an initiative set up by Prudential to empower young people to drive their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of social or economic background. For more information, visit prugoals.co.uk
