Peterborough’s Primary School to hold virtual 500k fun run between the country’s four Elton schools

The fundraising effort, which kicked off earlier this month, will see pupils at the school challenged to rack as much distance as possible over the next few weeks, be it via walking, running, cycling, scooter or skateboard.

The target distance is 550km, which is the round-trip distance between the Elton Primary Schools in Peterborough, Derbyshire, Cheshire and Lancashire.

Once pupils pass the required distance to reach each school there will be a virtual check-in with staff and pupils from each school.

Alongside completing the challenge, pupils have been encouraged to collect sponsorship money and a conservative target of £1000 between the school’s 140 pupils has been set.

All of the money raised will be spent on new musical instruments and other resources to aid the school’s curriculum.

The idea to raise funds in this way came from teachers Andy Shaw, Claire Arnold and the Friends of Elton School Committee.

Andy said: “We came up with the idea a couple of months ago. We were trying to think outside of the box to raise funds, which is necessary because the pandemic has seen our usual sports day, disco and cake bakes etc cancelled.

“The pandemic has been really tough financially for schools. We have had to spend more on heating and cleaning and most of our fundraising has disappeared.

“Anything we make though will be used to improve the school and what we can offer.

“It’s also a great way to keep the kids active and out doing something, we’re calling it our Couch to 500k.

“The engagement has been good so far and we’ve received a positive response from the other Eltons, who have said they will look to do something similar. We’re even going to see if Elton John would be interested in helping a local school buy some musical instruments!”

Anyone can donate to Elton C of E Primary School’s fundraiser, to do so visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/500kmchallenge.