SCHOOLS have come together to do their bit for this year’s Sport Relief, with the help of RAF Odiham and some serious muscle from a rugby team.

Buryfields, Mayhill and Anstey junior schools crowd sourced 256 pupils and 40 teachers to take part in a one-mile run on the RAF airfield on March 15. The children raised a whopping £1,315, with more donations still to come.

The school children and teachers were joined by rugby teams from Hook and RAF Odiham. Not content with running the mile, the mighty rugby players pulled a Chinook helicopter the length of the same course.

Sport Relief uses the money raised through hundreds of fundraising events across the country to transform lives throughout the UK and the poorest communities all over the world. The grand total nationally stands at around £56m.

Social engagement, charity and physical excellence are closely aligned with the core values of the RAF. The local personnel – and all of those who turned out on the day – were determined not to let the cold weather dampen their enthusiasm, or slow them down.

The event was a huge success, according to Chief Technician Steve Metcalfe from RAF Odiham, who was the main organiser: “It was a great day enjoyed by all. When the children were asked about their favourite bit of the day, the response was a resounding ‘cake!’– so a big thanks to those who provided sustenance too.”