A hearty run to raise charity awareness

Youngsters tackled a mini-marathon '“ and raised around £1,500 for the British Heart Foundation in the process.
Children at St Michaels School, Kirkham, taking part in fund-raising for the British Heart FoundationChildren at St Michaels School, Kirkham, taking part in fund-raising for the British Heart Foundation
Children at St Michaels School, Kirkham, taking part in fund-raising for the British Heart Foundation

Pupils at St Michael’s School, Kirkham, took part in a mini-marathon with obstacles, made healthy snacks to sell, and dressed up in a heart theme for the day.

They were joined on the day by Lytham boxer and British champion Scott Cardle, who talked to them about the importance of a healthy diet, and British Heart Foundation fund-raising manager Barbara Dunn and the charity’s mascot, Artie, who ran a few laps with the children.

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The funds raised were given to Year 6 teacher Nicola Wiseman towards sponsorship for the London Marathon. Nicola, from Lytham, is living with two heart conditions after she underwent lifesaving surgery 10 years ago.

Rosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, KirkhamRosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, Kirkham
Rosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, Kirkham

The 37-year-old aims to raise £2,500 for vital research into heart disease, to help put something back for the treatment she received. Nicola – assistant headteacher at the primary school – said: “If it was not for the brilliant, pioneering research the BHF carries out, I would not be alive today and I would not have three gorgeous children.

“Myself and thousands like me, owe the BHF our lives and this is my small way of saying thank you and helping ensure their research continues, to prevent further deaths and allow more people with heart conditions to live normal lives.”

Year 5 teacher Victoria Pickles said: “It was a huge success, the sun shone and the children thoroughly enjoyed the event.

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“Scotty Cardle warmed up the children before their run with skipping ropes, began the race and ran the first two laps. He was exhausted from a busy morning of training in Manchester.

Rosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, KirkhamRosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, Kirkham
Rosa Hayes with boxer Scotty Cardle and teacher Nicola Wiseman at St Michaels School, Kirkham

“We were very privileged to have him in school given his busy schedule, due to the fact that he will be defending his title in three weeks.

He was brilliant with the children and they enjoyed listening to him speak in our assembly at the end of the day.

“We told him he had gained at least 200 new fans to add to his hefty following.”

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Also taking part in the fund-raising events was reception pupil Rosa Hayes, who underwent life-saving heart surgery when she was a baby.

Anyone who would like to support Nicola can do so at www.justgiving.com/ Nicola-Wiseman78 or text NWIS78 £(your amount), to 70070.