Pupils at a West Cumbrian school have completed 110 laps of their playground in support of Gary McKee’s epic 110 marathons in 110 days fundraiser.
Youngsters at Kirkland Academy, near Frizington, have cheered on marathon man Gary during his daily 26.2 mile run to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and West Cumbria Hospice at Home.
All the staff at the school and their 29 children took part in their own mini-marathon – from the youngest aged just two to the oldest at 11 – to collectively complete 110 laps of their playground and raise £100 for Gary and his two charities.
Helen Shore, teaching assistant, said: “Gary’s inspired us so much we decided to take on our own challenge and hopefully raise some money to add to Gary’s grand total.
“We had the idea to run each day on the last five days of the challenge.
“It seemed fitting to incorporate the number 110 in keeping with Gary’s challenge of 110 marathons in 110 days, so we decided that we’d aim for 110 laps of the school yard collectively between the two classes.
“Children have a greater understanding and appreciation of just how much of an achievement it is to find the motivation and determination to complete mile after mile, day after day.
“It’s an amazing thing to be involved with that will go down in history and we are very proud to play a small part and do what we can to help. We’re hoping to raise around £100.”
Gary finishes his final and 110th marathon in 110 days on Friday – and the pupils will be out once again to cheer him on his last leg of his mammoth challenge.
Helen added: “We have great support from our families who always encourage and support us in our endeavours so are certainly behind us in this.
“It is a team effort between staff to organise and complete the challenge, everyone is on board and enthusiastic and we’re enjoying seeing the children take such pride in their achievements.
“Staff and children have so much admiration for Gary and his team of supporters who are all pulling together and putting their all in to help others.”
