Hampshire school raises £1,000 for Children in Need

Selfless pupils from a North Hampshire school put in a ‘rambletastic’ effort to raise more than £1,000 for Children in Need.

For this year’s event, Ecchinswell and Sydmonton CE Primary School arranged a sponsored ramble, where all children and staff at the school ran or walked around a course on the school grounds for 30 minutes.

Around £1,100 was raised after parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and past pupils all chipped in for the cause.

Assistant head Emma Hartley said the children – who had donned Pudsey ears for the event – had been “buzzing” with how much they’d raised.

She added: “To raise that much money for a school of just 67 pupils is amazing.

“The children absolutely loved it, some walked or ran, and they were holding hands.

“It was nice to see everyone mixing together because it doesn’t happen often – we’ve been in bubbles for so long so it was special that everyone supported everyone.

“We haven’t done a sponsored event in like four years so I think that made a big difference.”

Mrs Hartley said the children had discussed helping others less fortunate than themselves in class, making the cause extra special.

She continued: “The school community is very aware of children less fortunate than themselves.

“Part of our religious education and social curriculum is looking at other people less fortunate, such as people with disabilities, young carers or mental health issues so it’s something they’ve talked about a lot.

“I think it was very close to the children’s hearts.

“Afterwards the children were just buzzing and so pleased with their achievements and they enjoyed the fact that they’ve been together and the amount they’d raised.

“They felt a real sense of achievement.”