Young fundraisers are closing in on a magic milestone after completing their latest Santa Run for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Great Yarmouth Charter Academy students have been donning festive outfits and tackling the seafront challenge every year since 2014.
In return for a donation, they wear Christmassy jumpers and hats and run just over a mile and a half along the North Denes beach.
They sprang into action just before Christmas and raised £2,122 – taking their overall total ever-closer to £20,000. The current overall figure is £18,472.
Head of PE Paul Andrews said: “This is such a great event and it’s become a long-standing tradition – something all students and staff embrace and look forward to.
“Ten years ago, when we started, the idea was to motivate students who weren’t natural athletes and didn’t enjoy cross-country running.
“Then when the fundraising side of things kicked off, it gave everyone a shared sense of purpose.
“Even those who wouldn’t normally choose to run love getting on board and doing their bit to raise funds for EACH.
“Regardless of ability, every student contributes and the whole thing has been an outstanding success.”
The Santa Run is organised by the school’s PE department and December’s event featured around 700 youngsters.
“It really is a team effort from everyone at the school, including staff,” added Paul.
“I’d also like to say a very big thank you to our families, for showing such support and giving so generously.
“It blows me away and is always such a great way to finish the term, just before Christmas.”
Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller popped along to see the children in action and recently made another visit to collect a cheque on behalf of EACH.
She said: “The students and staff have come up trumps once again, doing their bit to support this very special fundraiser.
“It was great to see them running and also have a chat with some of them when I collected the cheque.
“They’re obviously very passionate about helping us and should feel proud of themselves. We’re certainly very grateful.”
