Downham Market school drum up support for Pudsey

Staff and pupils at Nelson Academy in Downham are getting ready to drum up support for Children In Need.

The annual event raises funds for disadvantaged young people to improve their lives here in the UK.

Children and teachers at the school will be making some noise by taking part in a drumathon.

Inspired by Owain Evans, journalist and presenter, from BBC Breakfast, teaching staff will lead the way in this fundraising challenge.

On 13 November 2021, Evans completed a 24-hour drumathon in support of the charity Children in Need.

Starting and ending on BBC Breakfast, he spent 24 hours drumming continuously with a five-minute break every hour while presenting the Drumathon iPlayer channel, chatting with other drummers, urging people to donate, and describing the experience.

By completion, at 08.35am that day, the event had raised £1,617,046, having doubled in its last 90 minutes.

The sum was expected to grow with further donations and had reached £2,621,750 by lunchtime that day. On 15 November, 48 hours after the challenge, the project had raised £3,062,418

Teachers Mrs Cupit and Miss Driscoll plus embers of the PE department will be hitting those drums with their rhythm sticks.

Principal Sarah Wilson said: "At Nelson this Friday, each class has been given a slot of time throughout the day to take over the drum sticks, under the guidance of the PE percussionists.

We will be cardio drumming all day outdoors. It should be quite a spectacle for all to see and hear."

Here is a link to watch one of Owain's many songs performed last week during his 24 hour marathon.

Sarah Wilson said: "Please help us to help gather a little more.

"Please bring your donation to add to the bucket on Friday. Every little helps from 50p to £1 would be extra-lovely.

" Thank you so much in advance."