Pupils go extra mile to raise charity cash

SPORTING students took on challenges involving pogo sticks, rowing machines and footballs to raise money for charity.

About 900 youngsters from Holden Lane High School, in Sneyd Green, did their bit for Sport Relief, which asked supporters to complete a sponsored task lasting a mile.

HOOP DREAMS: Left, Britannia employee Angi Gordon exercises while waiting to man the charity phones. Above, from left, Newcastle College staff Philippa Sant and Samantha Latham, aged 24, prepare for a rowing challenge. Pictures: Phil Radcliffe and Malcolm Hart
ON THE BALL: Pictured from left are pupils Noah Tams, Bradley Kirkham, Ellie Chesters and Niamh Fisher, aged six and Antonia Taaffe- Smith, aged seven, with goalkeeper Ben Chapman.

The students took part in swims and races – and some even went the distance on pogo sticks.

Kay Knight, director of teaching and learning in physical education, said: "We reached our £2,000 target, but we've still got another 600 pupils to bring in their sponsor money.

"The deputy head teacher, Simon French, completed his mile by being pushed in a shopping trolley."

Pupils at Our Lady and St Benedict Catholic Primary School, in Abbey Hulton, took part in a penalty shoot-out with Nantwich Town goalkeeper Ben Chapman.

The youngsters raised more than £260 by paying £3 to attend school dressed in sports gear, walk a mile around the playground and then try to score a goal.

Ben, aged 18, who is also a football coach for Port Vale's In The Community scheme, said: "It's great to be able to take part in community fund-raising events and working with kids is a lot of fun.

"I haven't saved that many goals today. The kids have shown excellent football skills."

Noah Tams, aged six, said: "I love football and I watch it all the time on the TV.

"I really enjoyed the penalty shoot-out and it was good to raise money for Sport Relief."

Antonia Taaffe-Smith, aged seven, said: "I like Port Vale and I like playing football.

"I didn't score a goal, but it was still fun."

Other events which took place yesterday included a contest between staff and students at Newcastle College to see which team was first to complete the equivalent length of the River Trent on a rowing machine.

Students also paid £2 to take part in a fancy dress fitness class with the best 'old school' sports costume winning a prize.

Trevor Humphreys, sports development co-ordinator, said: "It's been a great day. We have had the staff taking part in a continuous cycle challenge throughout the day and hope to have raised more than £100 with that."

Staff and pupils at Sandbach High School also took part in events including a trampoline challenge, which included contestants wearing Sports Relief socks.

And about 150 staff at Britannia's head office in Leek last night gave up their evening to help man the donation lines for the charity. All funds raised for Sport Relief will help vulnerable people in the UK and some of the world's poorest countries.

By 10pm last night the grand total raised for Sport Relief had passed the £16 million mark.