Trinity School pupils and teachers take on 100km trek to Bath for BBOWT

Sixth formers from a Newbury school have completed an epic run in a bid to help the county’s wildlife.

The team of eight students and teachers from Trinity School took on a 100km (62 mile) relay from the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham on Saturday (November 16).

Their route took them along the Kennet and Avon Canal all the way to Bath.

They have so far raised more than £1,000 for the work of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Nora Bakonyvari and Daniel Udry organised the event - including arranging the logistics, liaising with the charity and encouraging their team with training - as part of their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

The pair are also part of Trinity’s eco committee which looks at how the school can be more environmentally friendly and improve its green spaces.

Ms Bakonyvari said: “The run was great, everything went well due to the precise planning and preparation by Daniel.

“We met at 6.30am before dawn at the Nature Discovery Centre and we ran a lap around the lake together to start off the event.

“In the parking lot we waved goodbye to the first runner Matt and Jamie his support biker.

“The rest of the team set off exactly at 7am with the minibus provided by Trinity School.

“Throughout the day we followed the plan to meet the runners and bikers at the handoff points and at several cheering points motivating the runners.

“Thanks to the excellent teamwork, we were well ahead of the original schedule from the very beginning.

“Around noon we received the news that we reached £1,000 in donations.

“We finished the relay in Bath in front of the Royal Crescent where the tired and happy team took a celebratory photo.

“We ended the day with 101 per cent of our original target amount.”

You can still help to boost the team’s coffers here or by scanning the QR code below.

The team – and the distances they ran - included Matt Carter (14.2km), teacher Mr Trent (6.5km), Daniel Knape (22km), Daniel Udry (18.3km), Noemi Stella (9.5km), Joshua Whorton (10km), Nora Bakonyvari (11km), Kata Bakonyvari (8.5km).

Ms Bakonyvari said they were very grateful to the support bikers, Jamie Alty, Amelia Tayler and teacher Dr Garcia-Sierra and teachers Ms Lyford and Mr Hammond for driving the minibus.

Before Saturday’s event Ms Bakonyvari said they had “wanted a big challenge that is impressive enough for people to donate”.

Mr Udry added: “We wanted something to improve us as well as helping the charity as well. We wanted to try and get everybody active and moving as well.

“We just enjoy spending time in nature. As I’ve got older, I feel it’s important to get out and just relax.

“If you’re exercising or doing anything mindful, it’s really nice going out into nature.”