Kettering school raises cash for KGH with challenge inspired by Captain Tom

Children at a Kettering primary school are emulating the late Captain Tom by taking on a '100 laps challenge' to raise money for KGH.

Brambleside Primary School pupils are walking, running, cycling and scootering around their garden or park, with some completing 100 laps in PE lessons at the Cleveland Avenue school this week.

They were inspired by national treasure Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who completed laps of his garden in the run-up to his 100th birthday to raise almost £33m for the NHS and died in Bedford Hospital earlier this month.

Every penny Brambleside pupils raise will go to the Covid-19 fund at Kettering General Hospital to support brave staff and frontline workers who are under enormous mental and physical pressure in the coronavirus crisis.

School headteacher Drew Brown said: "We are pleased that our children, families and local community have been inspired to take part in the challenge.

"We hope that the money raised will offer some form of support to the fantastic staff at Kettering General Hospital at this very difficult time."

Fundraising proceeds will go directly towards supporting the psychological wellbeing of staff at the hospital.

It will help fund counsellors, mindfulness therapy sessions, safe areas to take a break and a small outdoor recreational area.

The school set a target of raising £1,000 within five weeks but were stunned to smash it in just five days.

A school spokesman said: "The families and friends of our pupils have been so generous in supporting this local cause. We've even had local businesses donate too."

The school's current fundraising total is approaching £2,000 and is still rising.

To donate to the cause, visit the school's fundraising page at https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8wKADZVHpX.