Havant RFC and SOHK Charity Event a Huge Success

28 cyclists. 200km cycled. More than £30,000 raised.

What do bicycles, rugby and the Isle of Wight all have in common? They were all a part of the IOW Cycle Ride!

On Saturday 14th June, in the middle of a field in Hampshire, Havant RFC hosted a truly unforgettable evening — all to celebrate 28 incredible cyclists who took on a mammoth challenge: riding around the Isle of Wight TWICE in support of our charity!

Bright and early Friday morning, the 28 cyclists set out to complete the two-day cycle challenge along the Isle of Wight’s stunning coastline. With just over 100km stints each way, the cyclists were greeted by a UK rarity: heat! But this was a challenge, after all, and they didn’t let a little heat stop them from setting out to raise money for School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK).

Challenge completed, the cyclists joined members of Havant RFC and SOHK for a well-deserved celebration with a night of live music, great company and fundraising. With the final number of funds still to be confirmed, Havant have informed us that it already exceeds £30,000!

We are completely blown away by the support, strength, and spirit shown by everyone involved — and beyond grateful for the incredible amount raised for our cause.

Events like this can’t be done alone and here at SOHK, we’re all about the power of teamwork. Together with our friends at Havant, the cyclists and sponsors, the staff and volunteers, and all those who generously donated, please know that we could never have done this without you. The music, laughter, and shared pride created an atmosphere we’ll never forget.

A huge thank you to everyone involved!

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About Us

SOHK's mission is to empower children to realise their full potential. We envision is a society where every young person has an equal opportunity to succeed.
SOHK Schools Programme

The SOHK Schools Programme combines rugby sessions, 1-2-1 mentoring, and group discussions delivered by a consistent team of experts dedicated to supporting a young person's growth and potential.
Ken Cowen - Founder & CEO
Our History

School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) was set up by Ken Cowen in 2009 and established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2012. Initially set up to help individuals find and sustain employment, SOHK has developed significantly over the years in order to adapt to society's ever-changing landscape.
Become a regular giver

Become a Friend of SOHK and help change lives for the better. We support empower vulnerable children so they can create a positive future, but we need your support. Please donate just £3 per month and help us change the game.
Donate today

SOHK delivers life-changing schools programmes for secondary school-age young people across the UK. By fostering an environment of genuine acceptance, and physical activity, group and one-to-one support sessions, SOHK enables participants to find meaning and purpose in life. As a charity, we depend on generous donations to support our mission and extend our reach to young people whose lives can be transformed by our programmes.
Rosa Innes - Head of Partnerships, Scotland
Policies and reports

Policies and reports
Our Psychology

All of School Of Hard Knocks (SOHK) activities are underpinned by 'the 3Cs'. This framework was originally developed by Dr. Chris Harwood and Dr. Karl Steptoe as a coaching methodology for youth football that incorporated life skills development. Over the years, School Of Hard Knocks has drawn on this evidence-based practice and applied it to SOHK Programmes. The 3Cs seek to improve an individual's confidence, control, and connection.
Impact and statistics