Kington Pupils Run 5km in the Cold and Raise £3,505 for Children in Need

Seventy-seven pupils at Lady Hawkins’ School in Kington ran, jogged and walked at least 5km on Tuesday and raised £3,505.43 for BBC Children in Need.

Kington is about 19 miles north-west of Hereford. The school, on Park View, is a small rural secondary.

Every one of the 77 signed up by choice. The school says each pupil found their own sponsors, and that more than a quarter of its students took part.

An afternoon off lessons, on a freezing field

The pupils swapped their afternoon lessons for running kit on 10 November. The course was laid out around the school grounds, and the target was a minimum of 5km.

It was cold. The school describes “freezing temperatures”, but says spirits stayed high. Four members of staff ran the challenge alongside the pupils.

The group photograph the school sent shows a few people took the dressing-up side seriously: there are two banana costumes, an inflatable dinosaur, pirate hats and yellow bobble headbands among the black school sports kit.

“Every single one of them made the decision independently”

Sophie Collister, the school’s deputy headteacher, said:

“We are incredibly proud of all 77 students who chose to take on this challenge. What makes it so special is that every single one of them made the decision independently to get involved, raise money and challenge themselves for such a worthwhile cause.”

She said the weather did not dent anyone’s effort:

“Despite the freezing conditions, their enthusiasm and determination were fantastic to see. To have raised over £3,500 is just phenomenal, particularly for a school of our size. It really does show the kindness, generosity and community spirit of our young people, and the fantastic support we receive from our families and wider community.”

“Events like this remind us just how brilliant our young people are, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved.”

The total should rise on Friday

Friday 13 November is the official BBC Children in Need day. Lady Hawkins’ School is holding a non-uniform day, with pupils paying £1 to come in their own clothes. The money will be added to the £3,505.43 already raised.

The school has thanked everyone who sponsored and encouraged the runners.

At a glance

• Who: 77 pupils and four staff at Lady Hawkins’ School, Kington
• What: runPudsey 2026, at least 5km around the school grounds
• When: the afternoon of Tuesday 10 November
• Raised: £3,505.43 for BBC Children in Need
• Next: non-uniform day, £1 a pupil, on Friday 13 November

The school’s website is lhshereford.co.uk. Schools, clubs and groups across Herefordshire can send us their news.