PUPILS inspired by the London Marathon put their best feet forward to raise £1,200 for charity by organising their own mini-marathon.

Youngsters from Kirby Primary Academy, aged from four to 11, ran a total of more than 300 miles to raise cash for two causes close to pupils’ hearts.

The students decided to set up their own version of the event after learning about the history of marathons.

They decided to raise cash for causes inspired by pupils Blake Woodrow-Prentice and Sebastian Burgess.

Blake had told the school council that he wanted to raise money for Cancer Research UK because of the high proportion of families affected by cancer.

Headteacher Charlotte Booth-Rylett said the school, in Halstead Road, Kirby Cross, is also passionate about raising funds for research into a complicated mix of conditions affecting Sebastian, who has a rare combination of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Primary Cilliary Dyskinesia.

Sebastian’s sight and hearing is degenerative but this doesn’t stop him embracing every opportunity open to him, including singing with the Kingdom Choir at Kensington Palace.

Almost every child in the school participated in the mini-marathon, completing one or two miles to earn their sponsorship money.

In total, over 300 miles were run and a total of £1,200 was raised.

Sports coach Mike Burgoyne said: “The Kirby children are absolutely amazing to achieve this target.

“They showed great resilience and supported one another to do this for these great causes.

“They feel proud to do this for charity and for a fellow class mate.

“I’m so proud of every single one of them for what did in the mini marathon and for what they are achieving in PE.”

Kirby Primary Academy recently received its School Games Mark silver award in recognition of the school’s excellence in competition, sportsmanship, participation and sports leadership.

Mrs Booth-Rylett added: “The character of the Kirby pupils never fails to inspire me.

“Our children are so compassionate towards one another.”