Amazing support from Wynstream wonders

Big hearted children at an Exeter primary school have raised nearly £2,000 for charity by taking part in a fun run.

Pupils at Wynstream School on Burnthouse Lane chose to support FORCE Cancer Charity, which has its headquarters just a 10-minute walk away.

Nearly every one of their 350 pupils, from reception class to Year 6, got involved.

They walked, jogged and ran laps of the school playing field for up to 40 minutes.

Year 3 teacher Pat Baldwin, who coordinated the big day, said: “It was all about taking part – not about personal bests but about coming together as a school to support their community.

“The children have big hearts. Despite a lot of things going on in their lives, they still wanted to raise money to help other people.

“There were no targets for the number of laps or for fundraising as times are hard for everyone financially.”

Proud

Despite that, the children raised just under £1,916.22 for FORCE and Mr Baldwin, the former Exeter City FC defender, said: “I am very humbled and proud of our community. The kids had a wonderful day too so success all around!”

It was a whole-school decision to support local charities.

The 12 pupils on the School Council were asked for ideas that could make a difference to them and their fellow students.

They came up with some wild and amazing suggestions but the desire to raise money for charity dominated.

The list was streamlined and the entire school voted in assembly with the majority choosing charity fundraising.

They have already supported other local organisations – Balloons and Exeter Foodbank – during this school year.

Impact

“At a school council meeting before the Easter break, a Year 6 pupil asked if we could raise money for a local cancer charity,” explained Mr Baldwin.

“We did our research and came up with FORCE, an amazing cause that has an impact locally.”

Headteacher Elise Redman added: “The school council came up with the idea and decided which charity they wanted to support. They thought very carefully about it. Some of our children, their families and our staff have been personally supported by the charity so it is quite meaningful. This event is a testament to how brilliant they are!”

Meriel Fishwick, the Chief Executive of FORCE, which supports anyone locally affected by cancer, expressed the charity’s gratitude.

“It’s inspiring to see how the school and the community have got behind this fantastic day. What an example they have set in their determination to do something for other people,” she said.

Incredible

FORCE has invited members of the Wynstream School Council to visit its Centre to see just where the money from their incredible efforts will be used.

Here’s what some of the children said about their fun run:

“I really enjoyed today. It was great fun and I tried my best.”

“Today was fun because you got to run with your friends and see your parents.”

“Fun, tiring, hard. I would definitely do it again.”

“I think that it was a very good event and very thoughtful and I loved that everyone ran, especially the teachers, and how everyone raised loads of money.”

“It’s incredible how much we raised.”

“I really enjoyed it and I thought it was a great day and it was an amazing charity to donate to. I also thought it was an amazing way to raise money for charity.”

“I really liked it and it was very active and very healthy. It was a very good cause and the school councillors picked this event for the charity for cancer. I hope that the people that have cancer will be happy and healthy.”

“Today was one of the best days ever. I really liked it and it was epic and I think everyone enjoyed it. I love that the school council picked FORCE and picked a fun run. I hope people who have cancer will be better.”

“It was the best fun run ever.”

“It was very fun and hard. I tried my hardest to help the community.”