Thatcham school's Race for Life raises more than £4k

Event organised and inspired by pupil

CHILDREN at a Thatcham school have helped raise more than £4,000 at a charity event inspired by a pupil.

Pupils at Whitelands Park Primary School held their own Race for Life at the Henwick Worthy sports ground earlier this month.

The event was based on the Race for Life for women, which raises money for Cancer Research UK, and was set up by Year 5 pupil Freddie King after learning that his beloved auntie’s cancer had returned.

The 10-year-old told the Newbury Weekly News “my auntie has cancer and I wanted to help her”.

Freddie set out to raise a modest target for his cause, but pupils, parents and staff have raised £4,300.50, with more funds still to come in.

Freddie’s father, James King, said he was amazed at the amount raised.

He said: “I think everyone who has donated, the friends and family were stunned by how much they have been able to raise. I’m very proud of him.

“Again, a massive thanks to the school for helping to organise it and encourage him to be involved in organising the event.”

Headteacher at Whitelands Park, Matthew Irving, said: “The amount of money raised is fantastic. It just shows what can be achieved when children put their minds to a really big event.”