By Saul Cooke-Black

PUPILS at Christ Church Church of England Primary School, Chalford, were treated to an inspiring talk by primary school teacher turned superhero Will Hodson last week.

The former teacher has given up the day job to cycle 100,000 kilometres around the world for the next five years – dressed as a superhero – in a bid to raise £100,000 for charities including Parkinsons and World Cancer Research Fund.

Mr Hodson, also known as super cycling man, said: “I can clearly remember being given talks when I was at school by people who had travelled to different parts of the world, showing areas on the world map that back then I could only dream of visiting.

“I’m now aiming to be that person that inspires the next generation to go on adventures, to cycle more, or develop whatever their passion is and challenge them to take it as far as they can.

“My overriding message is that if you work hard, your talents might just take you round the world!”

Over the last six weeks Mr Hodson has been cycling around Britain and Ireland in preparation for tackling the seven continents – which will start in earnest from May 31 when he leaves Tower Bridge.

The 38-year-old has been a teacher in London for the last 12 years but has wanted to cycle around the world since he was 21.

He said: “It’s been in the last two years that I’ve really committed to making this dream trip happen.

“I’d been cycling round the world in bits in the summer holidays as a teacher. But I would spend 11 months waiting to do one month of cycling.

“Then a friend sat with me in the pub and said you’ve got to stop wishing your life away. That hit me quite hard and I realised I just had to get on with it and make my dream happen before it was too late.”

Mr Hodson sold his car to add to savings but says he will have to become a travelling salesman in the next five years, selling bike shirts and calendars to save enough money.

Cycling about 50 miles a day, he will start off across Europe before heading to Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Africa and finally Antarctica, staying at friend’s houses, cheap hotels and camping along the way.

Mr Hodson added: “I’m looking forward to every day. You see the nicest thing on your bike.

“A week ago I stayed with my friend’s mum who I’d never met before and she donated £1,000. It just blows your mind that people are that generous.

“It makes you think the world is a really great place when you see all these places and people being kind all over the world.”

To find out more about the trip and to donate visit www.supercyclingman.com/