Thousands of schoolchildren across the county donned reindeer antlers for a Christmas charity fundraiser, raising almost £27,000.
Over 3,800 primary-aged pupils from 32 schools supported children’s hospice Jigsaw’s second annual Reindeer Run fundraiser which challenged youngsters to raise as much money as possible.
The series of school-based events took place throughout December 2022 with the final money now collected and counted revealing a grand total of £26,959.
Schools were provided with their own fundraising packs, including reindeer antlers for each child.
They then devised their own run, walk or event to raise vital funds for the only children’s hospice in Cumbria.
Some of the festive events included laps of the school field, fun days, and runs in different locations within their community.
Vicki Lesley, from Jigsaw’s fundraising team, said: “The money raised through initiatives like the Reindeer Run is vital in helping us continue to offer dedicated and compassionate care to children and young people with life-limiting illnesses.
“We look forward to working with Cumbria’s kind-hearted schoolchildren for our future fundraising events.”
One of the schools that took part was Hayton C of E Primary School, near Brampton, which raised £1,878.
The school also helped the charity reveal the grand total for the whole fundraiser during a special assembly.
Sarah Threlkeld-Brown, the headteacher at the school, said: “I have seen first-hand how the staff at Jigsaw make the unthinkable and completely unbearable slightly less unbearable for families.
“Their kindness, dedication and support are unwavering, and I thank them for their tireless work from the bottom of my heart.
“When I became head teacher at Hayton, I knew this was an event I wanted us to support as I knew what a positive impact the funds would have, and I wanted the children in school to understand Jigsaw’s importance in the community.
“I’d like to thank Jigsaw so much for inviting our school to be an integral part of the unveiling of the funds, we feel honoured for the opportunity.”
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