Kettering school's 'amazing efforts' to support frontline hospital staff

The school handed over a cheque for more than £6,000.

A Kettering primary school has handed over a cheque for more than £6,000 to help staff on the Covid-19 frontline at KGH.

Brambleside Primary School pupils took on a '100 laps challenge' by walking, running, cycling and scootering around a park or garden, with some completing laps in PE lessons at the Cleveland Avenue school.

They were emulating the late national treasure Captain Sir Thomas Moore, known as Captain Tom, who did the same before turning 100 to raise almost £33m for the NHS.

And after smashing their £1,000 target in just five days they've now presented a cheque for £6,230, which will go to the Rothwell Road hospital's Covid-19 fund.

Headteacher Drew Brown said: "As a school team we have been humbled by the efforts and generosity of our school community.

"They have embraced the challenge and will hopefully make a difference for the amazing staff at KGH.

"I'd like to make a special mention for Year 3 pupil Olivia who inspired everyone with the idea and also to Mrs Henderson who co-ordinated all of the efforts which were made.

"I am pleased and proud that our children have been able to make such a contribution to our local community in what is such a challenging time for everyone."

Every penny Brambleside pupils raised will support brave staff and frontline workers who are under enormous mental and physical pressure in the coronavirus crisis.

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

Kettering General Hospital’s head of strategic corporate and community fundraising, Jayne Chambers, said the school's funding would support KGH staff for an additional three months on top of what they already have.

She said: “We have been delighted by the amazing efforts of Brambleside Academy pupils who have been following in the inspirational footsteps of Sir Tom Moore by doing their 100 lap challenge.

“We will make sure that the money raised is used to support our important We Care programme that supports our staff’s wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond.”