A Solihull primary school swapped textbooks for trainers last month to help raise £700 for a local charity.
Pupils at Haslucks Green Junior School took part in ‘5k Your Way’ – a new campaign created by Birmingham St Mary’s – which aims to raise heart rates, as well as vital awareness and funds for the Hospice.
The campaign challenged pupils to complete 5k of physical activity during one week, in a style they liked best – whether that was running, skipping or dancing.
Pupils from all years at the Shirley-based primary school got involved and completed a number of different activities, such as bat and ball games, to reach their 5k target.
All funds raised by the school will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, which provides vital care to local families living with terminal illness across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Seven-year-old Sophie Glendall, a Year 3 pupil who took part in the challenge, said: “I really enjoyed 5k Your Way because I knew I was helping others. Sometimes, I got a bit tired but I got through it because I knew I was helping people who were being cared for by the Hospice.”
Miss Novis, assistant head teacher at Haslucks Green Junior School, said: “The pupils thoroughly enjoyed taking part in 5k Your Way for Birmingham St Mary’s. It was great to get everyone out of their seats and be active for 20 minutes a day, whilst also learning about hospice care and why it’s so important in our community.”
Charlotte Dowling, community fundraising manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the staff and pupils at Haslucks Green Junior School got stuck into this challenge and completed 5k their way. Well done to all the pupils who took part and thank you to everyone who generously sponsored them.
“It costs £8million to run our crucial services each year – whether that’s at the Hospice, in people’s homes or in the local community – so we really do rely on the support of our local community to ensure we can care for everyone that needs us, wherever they need us.”
At any one time, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is supporting 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell.
To find out more about 5k Your Way, email: fundraise@birminghamhospice.org.uk or call 0121 472 1191.
