MORE than 1,000 pupils at Wallingford School will embark on an eight-mile sponsored walk after the baby son of a staff member suffered serious burns in an accident.

The walk on Monday, to beauty spot Wittenham Clumps, is the latest in a series of annual fundraisers to support various good causes and it has become a tradition at the academy in St George's Road that as many pupils and staff as possible take part.

In July last year, Henry, the son of a long-serving member of staff at Wallingford School, suffered serious burns to 60 per cent of his body when he was scalded by hot water.

Then eight months old, he was air-lifted to the Paediatric Burns Unit at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

After spending a few days in intensive care, he spent the following three months in the high dependency unit.

Pupils, staff and parents have been asked to raise funds and it is hoped the eight-mile circular walk will raise more than £10,000 for The Frenchay After Burns Children’s Club, which supports children and their families.

Henry's father, who has asked not to be fully identified, said: "Henry made very good progress and is now back at home with his family, but he will continue receiving regular recovery treatment over the coming years

"Henry and his family have had vital support from FAB club and are now delighted to have the opportunity, with Wallingford School and our local community, to raise vital funds and awareness for this amazing charity that does so much for burn-injured children and their families."

A spokeswoman for the school added: "Henry’s injuries were very serious. The initial focus was simply helping Henry to survive this traumatic event.

"With his dedicated and highly skilled medical team, as well as Henry’s own, and his family’s determination and positive spirit, the team soon shifted attention to his longer term recovery.

"Procedures have included numerous skin grafts and laser treatment. Henry is now doing very well.

"His surgeons have been astounded by his recovery to date and his overwhelmingly happy nature.

"It is hoped that Henry will continue to make great progress as he grows and develops over the next few years."

Wallingford School’s previous sponsored walks have raised money in support of the Bone Cancer Research Trust, in memory of former student Alex Lewis and the ME Association in support of Rachel Milston, daughter-in-law of a former data manager, and The Brain Tumour Charity, in memory of Gail Castle, mum of two former students.

Headteacher Wyll Willis said: "We will close the office for the day and everyone will walk or help with the organisation.

"This involves all the students, the sixth form, teachers, associate staff and some parents. That should amount to a thousand pairs of feet at least.

"At the end of the day we will have enjoyed ourselves, raised some money for others and showed Henry and his family that we are proud of the way they have managed the challenges they have faced."

The Frenchay After Burns (FAB) Children's Club is an independent charity based in Bristol.

Its aim is to provide ongoing support to burn-injured children and their families from injury through to adulthood.

Donations can be made via justgiving.com/fundraising/wallingfordschool2016