Fundraising target smashed as South Tyneside children get running shoes on for charity

A fundraising target was smashed as children in South Tyneside got their running shoes on to support a cancer charity.
Some of the pupils who took part in the event.Some of the pupils who took part in the event.
Some of the pupils who took part in the event.

St Oswalds Primary School, in Nash Avenue, Whiteleas, South Shields, took part in a Race for Life to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The event saw all children and staff at the school take part in a one-mile run, which consisted of four laps of the school.

Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.
Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.
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Initially, the fundraising target was about £500, but staff were left wowed when the amount of donations topped £3,000.

Sandra Raine, the school’s senior education practitioner, said: “The day went absolutely brilliantly.

“The children all had such a lovely time, and we absolutely surpassed everything we expected to raise.

“To raise about £3,000 is amazing, and some of the children brought in up to £200 each in sponsorship.

Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.
Racing for their lives at St Oswald's.
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“We couldn’t believe it when we realised how much had been raised.”

The event was particularly poignant in the school, as classroom assistant June Shirley is currently receiving treatment for cancer.

The day started with a school assembly, when the children learned about the aims of Cancer Research UK, and the importance of the charity.

They were then given a dedication label, on which they could dedicate their run to a family member, friend, or Mrs Shirley.

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Key Stage 1 pupils took part in the morning, while Key Stage 2’s turn came in the afternoon as everyone played a full part.

Mrs Raine added: “It was a great day, and some of the children got quite competitive as well, particularly the older ones.”