While many Crawley residents were readying themselves for the Tilgate Race for Life, which took place on Saturday (23 June), one school was already running.

I was welcomed into St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School with smiles; I could tell straight away I was in a real tight-knit, friendly school.

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There was a buzz of excitement in the air – and it wasn’t coming from the bees that were out on such a beautiful sunny day – as the school was just about ready to begin its own Race for Life.

The Crawley Town FC mascot, Reggie the Red, attended the event too. and this only added to the excitement.

Students were excited to meet Reggie the Red.

Students were showing off their dance moves and exchanging high-fives with Reggie, who even joined in on the run!

Emma Piggott, Secretary for the Parents & Friends Association (PFA) at St. Francis said:

“The PFA are providing tea, coffee and cakes as well as volunteers for the water station and martialling. All profits made today go to Cancer Research UK.

“The initial target was £1,000 but we’ve gone straight through that so we’re hoping to get to £2,000.

“The students cannot wait, I’ve got two children here and they’re so excited. They’re dressing up today, dying their hair and there’s just this real excitement.

“It’s the second year we’ve run it and this year it looks a lot bigger. The organisation is brilliant, it looks great out there today and the kids all look great because they’ve dressed up this year and it’s nice to see all the parents coming and supporting it.

“It’s a real community feel and it gets everyone in school to see what’s going on and raising money.”

Kellyann McGovern, mother of year 1 student, Macaragh was on hand to help out:

“My son is here doing one of the races and he is so excited about it.

“Every child got a sponsor form and also we did an online sponsorship. Last time I checked we smashed our £1,000 target.

Kellyann is part of the PFA committee and helps out at a lot of the school events. This time, she was helping on the water station.

“The PFA committee ourselves do a lot of behind-the-scenes work, as in getting things set up but the school, and the teachers, have done the most fantastic job on getting obviously the race set up itself and everything laid out. They’ve done a brilliant job.

“A lot of work goes into it, but it’s well worth it for a good cause. I think dressing in pink was one of the most exciting things for them today! We’ve got some lovely outfits as you can see – including myself, I’ve got into the spirit of it too as you can see.”

Tim Hallett, Headteacher at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, said:

“In summary this is just typical of our school community, how we come together, throughout the school year and support so many important causes.

“Today is just one example of that – supporting Cancer Research, a very important charity – and the children are clearly enjoying themselves. It’s a wonderful afternoon, the parents have come in full support and we’re having a fabulous afternoon.”

Students ran different distances depending on their year group – with many running a fantastic 3km!

And they’re off! Students (and some parents) begin the run!

Year 4 teacher, Olly Lambert, put a huge amount of effort into preparing for the day and continued to do so throughout the event.

He said:

“The children and parents who took part were superb and the day was a massive success, the staff and everyone involved made it so easy to run. It was fantastic seeing everyone take part for a great cause and the whole community come together.

“We have currently raised £1600 for cancer research and donations are still coming in so hoping to break the £2000 mark! Personally like to thank the PFA and all the staff who helped to make the event run smoothly.”

Mr. Lambert’s Year 4s – cheering on their friends.

There’s still time to donate to the cause, just click here to go to the school’s fundraising page.

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