Staff and children at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy have raised an impressive £4,865.50 for Cancer Research UK by participating in the Pretty Muddy Race for Life 5k at Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham. The event, held earlier this year, saw 22 pupils and 16 staff members run, walk, or jog the muddy course, overcoming obstacles and getting covered in mud and water.
Fundraising Success Nearly Doubles Last Year's Total
Organiser Fliss Pitts, a Year 6 teacher at the school, explained that the fundraiser built on the success of last year's event, which raised £2,500 with 12 staff participants. "Following the success of last year's Pretty Muddy Race for Life 5k event, the school wanted to join this year's efforts and raise even more money," Pitts said. "This year, 22 of our children joined 16 of our staff members who chose to run, walk or jog the five-kilometre course. They overcame many obstacles along the way, getting covered head to toe in mud and water. Faces were covered, shoes were squelching and many laughs were had by all!"
Personal Motivation Behind the Fundraiser
Pitts said the cause is deeply personal, noting that her cousin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March 2025 and died on May 5, leaving behind a husband and two daughters aged three and five. Additionally, a colleague and former staff member, Karen Wardhaugh, received a similar diagnosis, and former pupil Louie Pickles is also battling cancer. "These instances of our friends, family and colleagues facing such diagnoses galvanised us to want to raise as much money as possible," Pitts added.
Outstanding Individual Efforts
Pupil Ellie, a Year 6 student, raised an astonishing £1,062 of the total. "I can't believe I have raised so much money. I am so proud of what I have achieved," Ellie said. Another pupil, Harvey-Lee in Year 4, finished the course in an impressive 34 minutes, placing him among the top 12 fastest finishers. The school has set up a fundraising page for anyone wishing to support their efforts.
