Hundreds of Hartlepool youngsters raise cash in NSPCC muddy challenge

Nine schools in Hartlepool got together for a muddy and energetic competition to raise money to keep children safe.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Jul 2018, 08:28 BST
Updated 18th Jul 2018, 08:32 BST
Staff and pupils from, Lynnfield Primary School cheering on pupils from High Tunstall College of Science as they complete in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank ReidStaff and pupils from, Lynnfield Primary School cheering on pupils from High Tunstall College of Science as they complete in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid
Staff and pupils from, Lynnfield Primary School cheering on pupils from High Tunstall College of Science as they complete in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid

The event saw more than 400 children and 50 members of staff take on a muddy obstacle course at High Tunstall College of Science.

It is anticipated that through sponsorship the Ultimate Mudathon 2018 event raised about £2,000, which will go to help the children’s charity getting its message out to children about their right to stay safe from abuse and neglect.

High Tunstall College of Science pupil Beth Dunning taking party in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank ReidHigh Tunstall College of Science pupil Beth Dunning taking party in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid
High Tunstall College of Science pupil Beth Dunning taking party in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid
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The schools involved decided they wanted to do something to raise money for the NSPCC, after representatives from the children’s charity spoke in their assemblies.

The NSPCC’s Schools Service visited 15 primary schools in Hartlepool, between April 2017 and March 2018, and spoke to 4,404 children about different types of abuse and neglect so they can get help if or when they need it.

The NSPCC staff and volunteers also helped children identify a trusted adult they can speak to if they are ever worried about themselves or a friend, and they are given information about Childline.

Mark Tilling, head of High Tunstall, said: “It is great to see young people and staff from both the primary and secondary sector coming together to raise funds for such a good cause.”

High Tunstall College of Science pupil Ewan Calvart after taking part in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank ReidHigh Tunstall College of Science pupil Ewan Calvart after taking part in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid
High Tunstall College of Science pupil Ewan Calvart after taking part in the muddy challenge event. Picture by Frank Reid
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Lynsey McCabe, NSPCC Schools Service co-ordinator for Tees Valley, said: “It was so encouraging to see so many children, and adults, taking part in this fantastic event and all for the purpose of raising funds for the NSPCC.

“We are really grateful to High Tunstall College for putting on the event and to all the schools which took part and to everyone who sponsored them.

“The money will go towards supporting us help children understand what abuse and neglect are and who they can turn to if it is happening to them.”

The event kicked off at noon with 200 students from High Tunstall competing. Then between 1pm and 2pm, pupils from Eldon Grove Academy, St Peter’s Elwick Primary, Hart Primary, Lynnfield Primary, Rift House Primary, Throston Primary, West Park Primary and Springwell School took on the challenge.

The final competition was between 50 staff members from the different schools.

Related topics:NSPCCHartlepool