PUPILS have been putting their fitness to the test as they have been collectively running hundreds of miles for charity.
The Sunflower class at St Luke’s Primary School, in Tiptree, has taken on the challenge to raise money for homeless charity Crisis.
The children were inspired by classes they had before Christmas and by footballer Marcus Rashford’s work in highlighting children living in poverty.
Class teacher Clare Heard said: “Before Christmas, we did a lot of talking about the homeless and the role of Crisis, along with the work Marcus Rashford did.
“We watched a clip of a little boy named Henry Cleary who ran a marathon in a week to raise money during lockdown.
“The children were inspired by his efforts and asked if we could do something.
“Originally we were going to try and run 100 miles between us all in a week, but as it got closer, we thought it would be nice if we can do a mile each every day, and now we are looking likely to do closer to 150 miles.”
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The pupils, all aged four or five years old, alongside Clare and teaching assistant Danny Clarke, completed the challenge last week.
Some even carried on the challenge at home, as they were off due to Covid, running around their gardens.
Mrs Heard added: “It is the first thing we have done as a class for a charity, we often do sponsored events for school resources.
“Everyone found it a challenge, but they all helped each other along, some going back for others after they finished.
“I am proud of them all, they have taken homelessness to their heart and tried to make people’s lives better. It is wonderful to see.”
The class has raised more than £200 with half going to Crisis and the rest towards class resources.
Assistant headteacher Clare Walker said: “We are exceptionally proud of Mrs Heard, the staff and all of the children in Sunflower class.”
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