CHILDREN from St Bartholomew’s School in Haslemere have raised more than £5,000 for UNICEF by running almost 150 miles.

Almost 60 children ran around the school’s 250m athletics track. The children ran for 30 minutes without sitting down, stopping only for water.

Together, the children managed to run 941 laps of the track, the equivalent of running to Petersfield and back 12 times.

Having recently explored their topic ‘Is the world a fair place’ and discussed how children all over the world fail to have their most basic needs met, the pupils wanted to do something to help.

Each child wrote individual letters to their families asking for support and prepared for their run by running around a mile, three times a week during their regular PE lessons.

Alongside Year 2, children in Year 5 voiced their concerns about the war in Ukraine and their desire to help those less fortunate.

They were supported by the school in their fundraising ambitions. Malaysia class held a sponsored day of silence, as well as running a series of stalls selling books and toys – raising more than £2,000.

St Bartholomew’s teacher Cathy Lynch said: “No-one is too young to make positive changes in the world. Every child who took part has been proactive in helping to save lives and care for others. We are tremendously proud of their efforts to raise more than £5,200 for UNICEF.”

Funds raised will go towards UNICEF to fund items including first-aid survival kits, medicine, vaccinations and other vital supplies. To make a donation, see www.justgiving. com/ghana2022run