Muddy and exhausting way to raise money

Some 330 youngsters from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Primary, in Langley Green, took to the school playing field to run laps in aid of CAFOD, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Those in Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) averaged 12-14 laps, while those in Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) averaged 20 laps. All those who took part either paid £2 or collected sponsorship.

The money will be spent by CAFOD in their work to help communities across the world feed their families.

Head girl, Mollie McKeever, said: "It was great fun to be outside and exercising. It was bit muddy but that was part of the fun! It is lovely to know that we were having fun and helping others as well, by giving the money raised to charities like CAFOD who help communities all over the world."

RE leader Lauren Rickards added: "It was fantastic to see all the children take part in such a fun and active event.

"They thoroughly enjoyed challenging themselves and wanted to achieve the best they could and get a high score for the number of laps.

"It was lovely to see the children encouraging one another and thank you to the parents for coming along to cheer the runners on and show support."

This Lent, CAFOD is working with communities in the South African country of Zambia, where it is estimated half of the population live below the poverty line.

A CAFOD spokesman said the agency's partners in Zambia provide training in fish farming, beekeeping and crop farming as well as helping individuals within communities develop business skills so those most in need understand how to get a better price for their goods, market them and even set up business partnerships.

Martin Brown, CAFOD’s representative in Crawley, said: "We would like to say a big thank you to Our Lady Queen of Heaven for joining us in transforming communities this Lent. By coming together and adding up all the small things, we can make a massive difference.

“It is the continued support from across England and Wales that helps empower communities around the world so that they are able to feed their families and make a living, one fish at a time.”

People can donate to the Lent Appeal at cafod.org.uk/Lent .

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