Eastfield Academy pupils and staff were delighted to be part of the Santa Run. Photo: David Ross Education TrustEastfield Academy pupils and staff were delighted to be part of the Santa Run. Photo: David Ross Education Trust
Eastfield Academy pupils and staff were delighted to be part of the Santa Run. Photo: David Ross Education Trust

Hundreds of tiny Santas raise more than £26,700 with festive fun run at schools around Northamptonshire

More than 1,000 pupils from 14 schools across Northamptonshire raised more than £26,700 with a festive fun run dressed as Father Christmas.

Students and staff from David Ross Education Trust schools either ran or walked a course within their bubbles earlier this month before the end of term.

The money will go towards the trust’s Inspiration Fund, which supports enrichment programmes and activities, such as sports clubs, music festivals and instrument lessons.

In a display of solidarity, almost every school in the trust took part, and over 2,000 students raised an astonishing £50,000.

Trust chief executive Stuart Burns said: “I am delighted that so many of our pupils signed up for the Santa Run and we are so proud of their efforts.

"We are extremely grateful to all of our students and families for supporting this event so generously, especially at the tail end of an extremely challenging year.

“The money raised will be invaluable in funding enrichment programmes across the trust. At DRET we are focused on providing a world-class education that broadens our pupils’ horizons.

"Our enrichment programme is second to none in the state sector, providing wonderful opportunities for pupils to explore new things, develop their passions and discover their talents.

"The run is a fantastic way to support this work, and a fabulously festive way to mark the end of term!”

The Northamptonshire schools were: The Arbours Academy, Briar Hill Primary School, Cedar Road Primary School, Eastfield Academy, Kings Heath Primary School, Malcolm Arnold Preparatory Academy, and Malcolm Arnold Academy in Northampton, Greenfields Primary and Nursery in Kettering, Lodge Park Academy and Rockingham Primary School in Corby, alongside Abbey CE Academy, Falconer’s Hill Academy, Welton CE Academy, and Newnham Primary Academy in Daventry.