St MARK’S primary school have raised over £3,500 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital after brave primary one pupil Ace Ward was diagnosed with leukaemia at the start of the year.

The school launched the ‘4,000K In May’ fundraising challenge on May 1 where staff members and pupils committed to walking, jogging or running a total of 4000km throughout the month of May.

Raising over £3,500 and counting so far, the school have exceeded their initial 4000km target and are now pushing hard to smash their renewed target of 5,000km by the end of this week.

Gemma Strain, Head Teacher, said: “When Ace became unwell in January, everyone at St Mark’s felt heartbroken.

“We wanted to do everything we could as a school community to support Ace and his siblings during this difficult time.

“As a school, we are always looking to encourage activities that help promote positive mental health and physical wellbeing and during times of uncertainty like these, it’s been especially important to work together to achieve this.

“I would like to thank everyone who has participated, donated and played their part to help us raise the vital funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“Everyone has been very supportive of one another and we have all enjoyed making the most of our planned exercise during lockdown for such a special cause.”

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education said: “Thank you to all of our dedicated staff members and the extended school community for their outstanding efforts in raising funds for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“It is more important than ever for us to all remain connected while taking care of our health and wellbeing.

“For St Mark’s primary school to achieve such a fantastic fundraising milestone is a real credit to the all of the team who have continued to remain upbeat and active during lockdown.

“We are all rooting for Ace and his family as he continues to smile and inspire us all with his bravery and determination.”

Five-year-old school hero Ace – the inspiration behind the campaign – is now back home to recharge his batteries as he continues his fight against leukaemia.

You can donate to St Mark’s JustGiving page via https://tinyurl.com/y7h7v5tw

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