School’s Megathlon Raises Mega Sum for Sick Kids

Pupils at Solihull Preparatory School have raised over £10,000 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity after taking part in a day full of fun activities and challenges. 

Over 400 pupils between the ages of three and eleven enjoyed the school’s ‘Megathlon’ event, which saw them complete a rotation of 10 sponsored activities throughout the day. The pupils threw balls into nets, threw wellies as far as they could, took part in space-hopper races and more to raise funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity. 

Many of the school’s pupils have either been to the hospital themselves, know someone who has or have parents who work there but in preparation for the day and to help the children understand where their sponsorship would go, the school invited Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity fundraiser, Will Graves, to lead an assembly. 

The children left the school hall feeling inspired and determined to raise money to help children just like them. Members of the school’s student council even got the chance to visit the hospital and to see how the money they raised could go towards things like arts and craft materials to help keep patients busy and distracted. When they returned to school, the student council held their own assembly to share what they’d learnt with the rest of the school and encouraged their peers to ask their families to sponsor them for their upcoming Megathlon. 

Solihull Preparatory School Assistant Head (Junior School), Mrs Suzannah Farnan, said: “Our pupils had a wonderful day taking part in the Megathlon, and so did the teachers! Whilst they had good fun competing against the other classes in their year group to get the most points, knowing why they were doing it made it even more special. 

“As a cause, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity really resonates with our pupils and showing them what their sponsorship could provide to help keep a poorly child distracted while they’re in hospital really spurred them on. The school is very proud of them.” 

Will Graves, Regional Fundraiser at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It was fantastic to see the pupils at Solihull Preparatory School filling up with inspiration and motivation to support our hospital and charity after my assembly. 

“At the Megathlon event they really channelled that inspiration and as a result they raised an absolutely incredible amount, which will go on to help us continue supporting our brave young patients. We’re so grateful for their support.”