Pupils at Pontllanfraith Primary School have joined a ‘Daily Mile’ event walking about their school grounds, until together, they will have walked the number of miles it would take to walk around the coastline of Britain.

To date, the school has raised £1,125 for Tŷ Hafan, in memory of their classmate Thomas Meacham, who was cared for by Tŷ Hafan before he passed away.

Thomas would have now been in Year 6 and his classmates were eager to complete a challenge in memory of him before they leave the school in July, to begin secondary school.

Unfortunately, the pandemic prevented this from happening in 2020 but Year 6 teacher, Emily Wills, has now organised for the whole school to participate in the challenge for their last term at Pontllanfraith Primary.

Miss Wills said, “My class have been working on promotion work to gain more sponsors for the challenge, in the form of posters, flyers, presentations and videos.

“My student ambassadors have also put together a project on our journey so far and are writing about why we are completing this fund-raising project and why it is close to their hearts.

“They are thoroughly enjoying all the work to complete this project and for such a great cause!”

As well as fundraising for Thomas, the school will be dedicating a new shelter in the playground in his memory. This will be decorated with a mural to reflect the summer term fundraising project and will be used by future pupils of the school.

Thomas’ father, James Meacham said the family are “very proud” of the pupils who are fundraising in memory of him.

Cllr Ross Whiting, Cabinet Member for Learning and Leisure commented, “The Daily Mile is a fun and easy way for young people to improve their health and wellbeing; in this instance, the pupils have also decided to fundraise for a charity close to their hearts whilst remaining active.

“We at CCBC are all incredibly proud of everyone involved in raising money for such a worthy charity in memory of Thomas.”

Donate to Helping Ty Hafan in memory of Thomas – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pontllanfraith-primary