A NEWPORT primary school held its own charity run yesterday raising more than £1,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Glan Usk Primary School’s Race for Life event saw all 660 children at the school, aged between three and 11 years old, take part. By the end of yesterday afternoon, the school had raised more than £1,200 with its online donation page and contributions by pupils’ parents.

Paula Hoddinott, a reception teacher at the school and organiser of the event, said: “We received an e-mail from Cancer Research who are trying to promote the Race for Life with schools and we thought we would give it a try. It was just a matter of trying to find a suitable day – luckily the weather was lovely.

“The run took place within the school grounds. We found a half-mile route and children had a choice of either doing one lap or completing the route six times to do the 5k.

“There were three lead runners of teachers who did the pace-making while other teachers were taking care of the younger children who were doing a lap and others were marshalling. All 60 staff took part in some way or another.

“Every child received a medal from Cancer Research UK. We are very proud of all the children and parents who came to watch and it was wonderful to see them all enjoying it.

“We hope to do it again and we would like other schools in Newport to try it. It’s easy to organise and the children absolutely loved it.”

If you would like to contribute towards the charity in light of the school’s efforts, go to https://www.justgiving.com/GlanUsk/