Primary school staff step out in ‘get fit’ challenge to raise money for Sheffield foodbank

Staff at a Sheffield primary school have set themselves a challenge to run and walk the distance from John O'Groats to Land's End to help raise money for a city foodbank.
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Pye Bank Primary School has worked with its families to enable children to learn remotely during the periods of lockdown which have been imposed since March last year.

Headteacher Mo Andrews said that during this time her team became aware that many were struggling financially due to the pandemic – not only those within the school community but others in the surrounding areas of Pitsmoor and Burngreave too.

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Staff at Pye Bank C of E Primary School are running and walking 874 miles - the distance from John O'Groats to Land's End - to help raise money for Burngreave FoodbankStaff at Pye Bank C of E Primary School are running and walking 874 miles - the distance from John O'Groats to Land's End - to help raise money for Burngreave Foodbank
Staff at Pye Bank C of E Primary School are running and walking 874 miles - the distance from John O'Groats to Land's End - to help raise money for Burngreave Foodbank
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Therefore the staff, humbled by the support and care they received from families during these difficult times, decided to give back and challenge themselves to walk or run 874 miles collectively in aid of Burngreave Foodbank, a place which provides a vital service within the community.

Ms Andrews said: “During last week, having seen how upset children and staff were when we had to close once again, one of our teaching staff, Mrs Sandie Chatterton, came up with an amazing idea to help motivate everyone and to help us really celebrate our amazing community.

“She challenged us all to do something to give back to all those around us and to really help the Burngreave Foodbank who we know are so reliant on the generosity of others. We don’t want any child or adult in our community to be hungry and go without.

“Therefore, Mrs Chatterton challenged us all to get fitter and raise some funds for our friends at the Burngreave Foodbank by collectively walking or running all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats – virtually and socially distanced of course.

Pye Bank School, like many others, has been closed since January 5 when England entered its third national lockdownPye Bank School, like many others, has been closed since January 5 when England entered its third national lockdown
Pye Bank School, like many others, has been closed since January 5 when England entered its third national lockdown
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"So at weekends, early mornings and evenings the Pye Bank crew are donning their sports gear and heading off out for some exercise.”

The fundraiser, which went live on January 8, has already smashed its original target of £300 with currently donations totalling £1,864 – a figure which keeps increasing.

Ms Andrews added: “The generosity of everyone who has donated so far demonstrates what a special community we have at Pye Bank School and beyond. Collectively we are saying thank you to everyone who has supported us to ensure no child slips through.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.