Schools unite in fundraising drive for Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Thousands of schoolchildren across West Norfolk took part in a charity fun run on Friday last week that raised money for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn’s COVID-19 Support Fund.

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Pupils and staff from all 11 West Norfolk Academies Trust schools completed laps of their school fields in the name of a good cause whilst also celebrating the benefits of exercise on health and wellbeing.

The cumulative miles achieved by staff and students were calculated for each school with Springwood High in King's Lynn clocking up the biggest combined distance with 2,092 miles (3,368 km) followed by Marshland High in West Walton with 1,219 miles (1,962km), and Smithdon High in Hunstanton, which recorded 1,129 miles (1,818km). 

Meanwhile Gaywood Primary pupils and staff clocked up an impressive 635 miles (1,022km), Heacham Junior recorded 243 miles (391km) and Clenchwarton Primary and West Lynn Primary's efforts stood at 228 miles (367km), and 76 miles (122km) respectively.

In total, the 11 participating schools, which also includes St Clement's High, Walpole Cross Keys Primary, Snettisham Primary and Heacham Infants, raised almost £6,000 for the QEH's Cvoid-19 Support Fund, which was set up to enhance health and wellbeing of staff caring for patients, and contribute towards improving the hospital environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The sum raised by the fundraising effort, organised by Smithdon High teacher Alysha Moat, will go towards providing outdoor benches at the King's Lynn hospital, enabling staff to relax outside during their break times.

Andrew Johnson, Executive Head Teacher at West Norfolk Academy Trust, said he hopes this becomes an annual event. "We know the last year has been tough for our NHS so we were pleased we had this opportunity to show our support to everybody at Team QEH."

Caroline Shaw CBE, Chief Executive at the QEH, added: “On behalf of all Team QEH I want to say a big thank you to the many students and staff at the West Norfolk Academies Trust for organising the Fun Run and raising money for QEH’s COVID-19 Support Fund.

"The last year has been the most challenging year we have ever faced and to know we have the support of WNAT is a boost for us all.”