Skip to content ↓

Our fun run for QEH

Thousands of schoolchildren across the West Norfolk Academies Trust took part in a charity fun run last week to raise money for The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn’s COVID-19 Support Fund.

Some 5,084 pupils and staff from all 11 our schools completed laps of their school fields in the name of a good cause whilst also celebrating the benefits of exercise on health and wellbeing.

The cumulative miles achieved by those taking part were calculated for each school with Springwood High clocking up the biggest combined distance with 2,092 miles (3,368 km) followed by Marshland High with 1,219 miles (1,962km), and then Smithdon High, which recorded 1,129 miles (1,818km). 

Meanwhile Gaywood Primary clocked up an impressive 635 miles (1,022km), Heacham Junior recorded 243 miles (391km) and Clenchwarton Primary and West Lynn Primary's efforts stood at 228 miles (367km), and 76 miles (122km) respectively.
In total, the 11 participating schools, which also includes St Clement's High, Walpole Cross Keys Primary, Snettisham Primary and Heacham Infants, raised almost £6,000 for the QEH's Covid-19 Support Fund.

The fund was set up to enhance health and wellbeing of staff caring for patients, and contribute towards improving the hospital environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.


The sum raised by last Friday's fundraising effort, organised by Smithdon High teacher Alysha Moat, will go towards providing outdoor benches at the King's Lynn hospital, enabling staff to relax outside during their break times.

Andrew Johnson, Executive Head Teacher at West Norfolk Academy Trust, said he hopes this becomes an annual event. 

“Our Health and Social Care Departments across our schools have worked closely with the QEH to develop our Health and Social Care course, and create opportunities for our students to visit and learn about careers at the QEH.


"We’re delighted to be supporting the hospital with our Fun Run. We know the last year has been tough and we’re pleased we have this opportunity to show our support to everybody at Team QEH.”


Caroline Shaw CBE, Chief Executive at the QEH, added: “On behalf of all Team QEH I want to say a big thank you to the many students and staff at the West Norfolk Academies Trust for organising the Fun Run and raising money for QEH’s COVID-19 Support Fund.

"The last year has been the most challenging year we have ever faced and to know we have the support of WNAT is a boost for us all.”

Anyone wishing to add to the Trust's fundraising drive can donate until July 21 at justgiving.com/fundraising/WNAT-Fun-Run

To view photos click here.