A SCHOOL near Whitchurch was overwhelmed by the support of families after pupils and staff collectively ran a marathon in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The event at Tilston Primary School took place on Friday (March 17) and has so far raised £1,040 for the charity.

The charity is very close to the hearts of people at the school because pupil Ralph Mills has had a heart problem which was diagnosed at the age of 16 months.

His heart is beating normally now and his mother, Lucy, will be running the London Marathon next month.

Headteacher, Kelsey Mort said Lucy had asked for the school's support.

Whitchurch Herald:

She said: "I went to the school committee and they thought it was a great idea.

"With Lucy, we decided collectively we would attempt to run a marathon to raise money for the BHF.

"Every single child took part."

Mrs Mort was pleased with how the event went and with the support shown by the pupils.

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She said: "Pupils and staff ran a total of 26.2 miles around our school field and we smashed it.

"Children decided to give up their playtime and lunchtime. Staff went out in their lunch break and ran with the children.

"It was a really lovely day, the sun was shining all day.

"We've still got donations coming in. We are just completely overwhelmed with the support from families and knowing that the money is going to the BHF."

Whitchurch Herald:

Mrs Mort said pupils enjoyed the challenge and spoke about the school's core values.

She said: "For our youngest pupils the aim was that they were going to do six-and-a-half loops of the field.

"They were absolutely incredible.

Whitchurch Herald:

"We are a church school and one of our values is community.

"For us, it was so lovely all the families came forward to support whether it was through donations.

"We then asked for a cake sale.

"Parents donated the cakes and in break time the school committee sold the cakes.

"It was a real team effort.

"We split the children into small groups and we wanted them to challenge themselves.

Whitchurch Herald:

"They did not give up and when some did they were holding their arms around each other to keep each other going."