Necton Primary School pupils rock festive attire as they take part in Rudolph for Nelson's Journey

Primary school pupils participated in a festive fundraising day which raised more than £1,000.

Necton Primary School’s sponsored Rudolph Run was in aid of Nelson's Journey, a charity that supports children and young people in Norfolk who have experienced the death of a significant person in their lives.

It was a great chance for the youngsters to make a difference to the lives of others by supporting the charity - with £1,043 raised.

In a joint statement, head teacher Vicki Long and school business manager Anna Frammingham said: “The added bonus was that the activity of a Rudolph Run was exactly at the right level for our children's interest and developmental needs and this also allowed the children to physically benefit from taking part in this, as well as spiritually.

“It is fundamental to our school vision that our community will support everyone in it to 'belong, believe, thrive and achieve', so we have a rolling programme of fundraising events throughout the school year.

“The responsibilities for leading these are shared between our different school councils: the eco council, the values council and the school council.

“It is an important aspect of learning how to be part of a community and contribute to it in as positive way as possible.

“Our children are learning to be respectful citizens not just for their current community, but also for those communities they will be a part of later on in their lives.

“We believe that our curriculum should be helping children learn how to be agents of positive change for their community and this is just one way that they can achieve this.”

Staff organised a fun route around the school and prepared pupils for the running challenge.

“We are also incredibly appreciative of all the support that families have given to their child with the sponsored Rudolph Run and know that this will help support the work of all at Nelson's Journey,” Mrs Long and Mrs Frammingham added.

Simon Wright, CEO of the charity, said: “We are so grateful to Necton Primary School for supporting bereaved children by holding a Rudolph Run and raising such a fantastic amount of money for Nelson’s Journey.

“It’s such a fun activity for children at the end of the year, and one which helps to raise awareness and funds for the work of the charity at what can be a very difficult time for many of the families we work with.

“As we don’t receive government funding, Nelson’s Journey relies on funds raised in our local community and our services are increasingly in demand.

“Every pound raised from events such as Rudolph Runs for Nelson’s Journey means we can have an even greater impact on the lives of bereaved children and young people next year.

“Thank you Necton Primary School and to all the schools in Norfolk who have supported our work this year."

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