Luton school’s 28‑mile charity walk challenge to fund new outdoor play facilities
Teachers, governors and parents from Luton’s Wigmore Primary School are taking on a 28‑mile charity walk as part of a fundraising effort to revamp the school’s outdoor play area.
The 28‑mile charity walk from Wembley Stadium to Wigmore School on June 13, has been organised by the school’s PE team which says a squeeze on education budgets has left limited funding available for new sports and outdoor equipment.
The funds raised will be used to improve outdoor play opportunities with planned upgrades giving pupils more opportunities to be active, develop teamwork skills and enjoy unstructured outdoor play alongside PE lessons.
The route from Wembley to Wigmore, will cover more than 28 miles in a single day with a wide group from the school community all walking together to support the project.
The school says improving outdoor play facilities is a priority, with research continuing to highlight the positive impact physical activity can have on children’s health, wellbeing and engagement in learning.
A spokesperson said: “With limited funding available for non‑essential improvements, the school decided to take matters into its own hands. The PE team developed the fundraising challenge as a way to bring the wider school community together while raising the money needed to make a lasting improvement to the playground.
“The fundraising walk will take place on Saturday, June 13, with supporters able to donate and follow the progress of the walkers throughout the day. The school hopes the challenge will raise both vital funds and awareness of the importance of outdoor play in primary education”.
Simon Marshall, Head of PE at Wigmore Primary School, added: “Outdoor play is a vital part of a child’s development, but with school budgets under real strain, funding improvements like this has become increasingly difficult. We wanted to do something positive and proactive, which is why we’ve planned this walk.
"By coming together as staff, parents and governors, we are hoping to give our pupils access to better outdoor spaces and equipment that will benefit them for years to come.”
The ambitious challenge is being sponsored by Tustone, Sheriff Construction, Maplebrooke, Smithfield Partners, Goss Environmental Coatings Ltd and Pavehall.