School kids took part in a race for life event whilst in fancy dress to raise money for Cancer research UK.

The Bicester School pupils took part in a lesson in giving back to the community, when the school held its first Race for Life event, raising nearly £700 for Cancer Research UK.

The charity event involved around 90 pupils walking, jogging or running 3k in figures of eight, twice around the school fields.

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It wasn’t just the youngsters getting involved, 10 teachers pulled on their trainers and joined in too.

The kids donned fancy dress - including an impressive dinosaur outfit – as they completed their laps in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Finishers received medals and certificates at the end, handed out by Executive Principal Tony Rushworth, as well as a healthy fruity snack donated by Fresh Direct.

The winner on the day was Erigeon Mensah, who completed the run in 10 minutes and 18 seconds.

The event was organised by PE and assistant Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) teacher Sarah Masteron, as a way of raising money for charity that could involve the entire school.

Mrs Masterson said: “I took some students on a charity run in Oxford last summer and I thought we’d get more students doing it if it were actually in school, so I organised it myself.”

Mrs Masterson wasn’t just motivated by the idea of raising money for Cancer Research UK - although that did drive her a lot - she was also keen to inspire a love of sport for all.

She added: “I’m basically on a mission to get more people active within the community.

“I’m trying out different things like this run, and I’ve got a dance showcase coming up in December as well.”

She offers this advice to those who find sport an effort: “I’d say just try and be the best version of you.

“Set yourself achievable goals. So if you can’t run, just start off walking, or with the Couch to 5k app.

“Do it gradually and you’ll be proud of what you can achieve.”

Race for Life started 28 years ago as a women-only event but has become Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events in the UK.

To donate to the Bicester School’s fundraising efforts, visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/the-bicester-school

Mrs Masterson is also looking for pupils and staff to represent The Bicester School at The Oxford Town and Gown, which takes place on May 14, 2023.

Three kilometres for juniors and 10k for adults. People can sign up here Oxford - Town & Gown 10k | Muscular Dystrophy UK (townandgown10k.com)

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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