Boundary Oak School students in Fareham have raised over £2,000 for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-UK) as part of their ongoing 'Pay It Forward' initiative.

The independent day and boarding school, catering from 2 to 16 year olds, has seen pupils undertake numerous acts of kindness within the school and wider local community.

The WWF, a long-term partner of the global education network Globeducate, is one of the school's chosen charities. The fundraising drive was spearheaded by Mrs Catie Pettit, the Head of Early Years at the school.

Mrs Pettit led the students in a week-long TCS Mini-Marathon, where students as young as four ran a sponsored race every day to collectively amass miles.

Mrs Pettit said: "It was so exciting to fulfil a lifelong ambition of mine and complete the London Marathon in junction with two other incredible events later this year. The children’s positivity, enthusiasm and resilience has been inspiring.

"At Boundary Oak School, it is important to us that pupils understand it is not what you give but the way you give it that counts. From donations and making posters to generously donating their time at lunch to run, we as a community are deeply proud to represent WWF-UK and Boundary Oak School in the 2024 TCS London Marathon and Mini Marathon."

The event ended with the whole school running the last kilometre together, with the children dressed as animals the WWF fights to preserve.

Not limiting the fundraising to the school, Mrs Pettit also participated in the London Marathon on April 21, further supporting the cause. She is now in training for the Windermere Marathon and a 50K challenge later in the year.

Sophie Peckham, student relationship fundraising manager, at WWF-UK said: "It's been wonderful supporting Mrs Pettit and everyone at Boundary Oak School to take part in the virtual TCS Mini Marathon. Thank you to everyone who has joined in the event and who have donated money, this will help WWF-UK in bringing our world back to life."

Students are preparing for a Big Beach Clean Up Event on Southsea Esplanade, in collaboration with Southsea Beach Café.