“After a digital tour of The Nook, the children learned what goes on there and why fundraising is so important” – crazy hairstyles and odd socks are the order of the day as pupils organise a fun run for EACH

Spirited schoolchildren looked the part when hosting a colourful fun run for charity. Pupils at Poringland Primary School sported crazy hairstyles and odd socks and raised more than £1,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Their school is less than a mile from The Nook – the EACH hospice opened by The Princess of Wales in 2019 – and 450 children took part, from Nursery to Year Six. “As a school, we’ve supported The Nook since plans were first drawn up to build a hospice in our community,” said teacher and Fundraising Lead Carrie Hayes. “However, we haven’t been able to do any whole school fundraising until now, because of Covid. “That’s why it was so lovely to be able to host this fun run, which was organised by our Year Five and Six councillors Olivia Gough, Beth Hoadley, Tom Kirk and Sam Rudd. “At the end of January, they went to The Nook and met EACH Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller. “After a digital tour of the building, they learned what goes on there and why fundraising is so important.” Inspired by their visit, Olivia, Beth, Tom and Sam led assemblies to explain to the school why they wanted to have a fun run to raise money for The Nook. They decided everyone could either have crazy hair or wear odd socks. “On the day, they were in charge of leading classes to their starting position,” added Carrie. “They were absolutely brilliant and supported all the children by giving them high fives or running alongside them. “They enjoyed being part of the organising team and were a credit to our school, as were all those who took part.” The school raised £175.88 in cash, as well as £707 online. With Gift Aid, it took their total to more than £1,000. “We’re so grateful to our young friends at Poringland Primary School, as well as their parents and carers and all the staff,” said Ellie. “They worked so hard to organise the fun run, got in the spirit on the day and gave so generously. “It was a pleasure to meet the children earlier this year and I’m so pleased their event was such fun and so successful.” Image credits EACH