Sea View Primary in Mayhill raise funds for kidney charity

During a week that saw upsetting scenes in the Mayhill area of Swansea, pupils at the local school, Sea View Primary, proved their resilience by rising to a challenge set by the Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales.

The challenge, called the Wear Wally Walk to School, was taken up to raise funds and awareness for people suffering from kidney disease. Coinciding with National Walk to School Week, it encouraged pupils to refrain from using motorised transport on their daily commute. Instead, they were asked to use their own two feet, and walk the distance to and from school every day for a week.

To ensure the challenge was inclusive, those pupils who could not walk to school would be set the challenge of walking the perimeter of the school every day instead.

The challenge was wholeheartedly taken up by the Sea View Primary pupils and enthusiastically endorsed by staff, seeing them raise a total £282 and counting. The money raised will go towards the refurbishment of the Children’s Kidney Centre in Cardiff.

The success of the event means that it is due to become an annual fixture in the Sea View Primary School calendar.

Julie Dunn, Head Teacher at Sea View Primary School, said:

“The children were totally engaged in the challenge. Furthermore, the element of healthy competition gripped them. This challenge not only encouraged the children to foster a love of being active but they also had to work as a team and support each other. I couldn’t be prouder of the children and staff for their efforts.”

Anna Powell, Children and Youth Community Engagement Officer for the Paul Popham Fund, said:

“This was the first year of launching the Wear Wally Walk to School Campaign and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with the school. The pupils were passionate about supporting children with chronic kidney disease and the refurbishment of the Children’s Kidney Centre which was extremely heart-warming.

“Due to the success of the challenge, we will be organising a Wear Wally Walk to School annually, and we would like to see as many schools take part in this challenge as possible. If you would like further information, please contact me via email at anna@paulpophamfund.co.uk.”