STUDENTS at Crondall Primary School were inspired by one of Prince Harry’s former squadmates to raise over £1,400 for their chosen charity, Heads Together.

School council representatives from each class discussed with their peers a variety of exciting fundraising ideas.

Reception class sold Pan American Highway (PAH) wristbands, years one and four took part in a sponsored bike ride, year two hosted a bike biscuit sale, year three did a sponsored welly walk, a talent show was held by year five and year six pupils had wet sponges thrown at them. The whole school also took part in a ‘mufti’ day.

The man behind the inspiration was Dean Stott, whose neice, Chloe Hudson, is a year six pupil at the school and sister, Aimee Hudson, is the school secretary.

Dean cycled the PAH to also fundraise for Heads Together. It is an arduous journey of over 14,000 miles across rugged terrain, mountains, snow caps, impassable roads, unpredictable wildlife and security challenges.

Passing through some of the most dangerous places in the world, Dean aimed to complete the challenge of cycling the length of South and North America in 110 days. He hopes to end the stigma surrounding mental health.

Dean managed to beat the Guinness World Record by 18 days, finishing just in time to see his friend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk down the aisle.

He took up cycling after suffering an injury which affected his running ability, and it was in fact Prince Harry who inspired him to take on the PAH challenge.

He also began the challenge in an effort to raise more than £1 million for charities which are focused on mental health.

Dean recently skyped the children at Crondall Primary School during assembly to thank them all personally for raising money towards his chosen charity Heads Together.

Heads Together aims to help people who are struggling with their mental health feel more comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and have the practical tools to support friends and family.

For more information about the charity, go to www.headstogether.org.uk.