Thorngrove School near Newbury puts on fifth annual charity aerobathon for Medical Detection Dogs and Cancer Research UK

Pupils, parents and staff of a North Hampshire prep school put on their trainers, pulled up their socks and broke a sweat all in the name of charity.

This was Thorngrove School’s fifth annual charity aerobathon that had the entire 250-strong student body and several adults taking part on Friday, February 9.

Every year, exercise sessions take place throughout the day and are led by local fitness legend Mike Hart, a 76-year-old ex-teacher of both Thorngrove and St Bart’s who has been running community aerobic groups in Newbury for 54 years, and Thorngrove’s head of girls games Lucinda Thomas.

Mrs Thomas said: “It was a great success.

“Everybody really enjoyed it and got really stuck into it.

“It’s a good fundraiser and it raises awareness about the different charities for the children as well.”

This year, the fundraising event was raising money for Medical Detection Dogs and Cancer Research UK, two charities chosen by pupils.

Medical Detection Dogs was chosen because ex-Thorngrove student Stephanie Cameron, who now runs her own catering business TrebleStef, has her own medical detection dog called Treble.

She has been into the school to discuss her business, her medical conditions why she needs her faithful furry friend.

Mrs Thomas described her as “an absolutely inspirational young girl”.

Thorngrove will be raising money for both of these charities at various fundraising events throughout the year, including a recent quiz and curry night attended by school parents and organised by the school’s PTA Friends of Thorngrove.