July 13th, 2023

Caring students from a West Norfolk school have raised more than £3,700 for charity through a colourful fundraising venture.

The girls’ hockey team from Marshland High School took part in the school’s annual Pink Ladies Charity Fun Run, where 30 runners sported their distinctive pink hockey kit as they completed 5K to raise money for their chosen cause.

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​This year’s beneficiary was The Angles Theatre in Wisbech, a community theatre, one of the oldest in the UK.

“We raised over £3,700 for Angles Theatre – the only surviving theatre in Fenland,” said organiser Paul Swinburn, Head of PE at Marshland, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“The theatre is run by volunteers, giving the opportunity of theatre, dance, singing and acting to so many youngsters and adults in the area – and puts on amazing shows and pantos throughout the year. It really is a special place, and I was thrilled to support them this year.”

Mr Swinburn and the hockey squad were joined on the fun run by three actors from the theatre – one dressed as Silly Billy, another in a lion costume, and the third attired as a pantomime dame in full dress and make-up.

“The weather was hot, which I’m not sure helped us or the three actors that ran with us,” continued Mr Swinburn.

“The girls put their mind to the task brilliantly – there were so many of them, and it was lovely to hear them encouraging each other to keep at it. Particular highlights were when our last runner came over the line, and everyone stayed back and clapped her from our group.

“The crowds and other runners were immense, and their support of our school girls was nothing less than impressive, as was the support of Gary Walkers and all the other volunteers that make all Park Runs so special.”

The charity runners were rewarded for their outstanding fundraising efforts by Mr Swinburn, who presented each with a top-end hockey stick, with the prizes generously provided by ExclusiveHockey.co.uk, Ellevenhockey.com and Stickwise.com

“The fact that I was joined on this run by so many wonderful young people, all willing to give their time for others, and companies and individuals giving up their resources to help raise money, is a privilege that I will hold forever,” Mr Swinburn added.

“The power of the youth should not be underestimated, and Marshland High School, Wisbech, has so many wonderful, kind pupils – and they are already talking about who they can support next year.”


Past causes chosen by the Pink Ladies have included Macmillan Cancer Research and the RSPCA, along with last year’s charity, Fenland Women’s Refuge.