Our pupils ran, cycled, walked, and jogged, when they took part in a sponsored event where they raised more than £500 for the school.

The ‘Fieldathon’ at Heacham Junior School saw around 90 children complete sponsored laps of the school field, with some joined by family members.

Our Assistant Headteacher, Ashley Kirwan, was impressed by the pupils’ commitment and enthusiasm – as well as their support of one another.

“The Fieldathon is an annual event here at Heacham Junior, where pupils are sponsored to walk, run, cycle, jog – however they wish – to complete laps of our school field,” he said.

“We had children participating from Years 3 to 6 – although some younger siblings came along and joined in for some laps too, as did parents.

“We had some lovely acts of encouragement and kindness from pupils helping others in the heat. The sun certainly came out for us!”

The event was organised by the Friends of Heacham Junior School, with members of staff on hand to keep track of the pupils’ completed laps at the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Mr Kirwan continued: “We had our teachers, James Agate, Megan Wells, Katie Cornwell, and teaching assistant Hariette Pateman, stamping children’s cards in order to collect laps. Some children collected as many as 30 laps in just 40 minutes!

“We don’t have an exact figure yet for money raised, but it is over £500, with the money going towards trips and experiences for the pupils.”

He added: “It was a highlight to see so many members of the community coming to enjoy the day, with refreshments on offer too.

“The benefits of events like this go beyond those benefits for the children alone. It brings a sense of togetherness for the community, while allowing us to raise money for the Friends to help towards school trips, and special events and experiences for the children.

“It is a memory-making experience for the pupils, who take pride in earning sponsorship through their laps completed.”