Pupils put on their dancing shoes in aid of spinal injury research

Fairfield pupils have raised over £6,000 for charity following an inspirational visit from Claire Lomas, the only paraplegic person to have walked the London Marathon.

They raised £6,275 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation by taking part in a week-long dance-a-thon, holding cake sales, and through collections at the school’s Christmas productions.

Claire, from Melton Mowbray, was left paralysed as a result of a horse-riding accident in 2007. She has since campaigned to raise money and awareness for spinal cord injuries, becoming the first person to finish the London Marathon using a bionic walking suit. Her visit to the school last year to speak about her achievements since her accident inspired them to support the charity’s work.

Claire was delighted to return to the school to say thank you and collect the cheque, she said: “It’s fantastic to come back to Fairfield. They’ve done a brilliant job raising the money; I’ve been hearing all about their fantastic dance moves!

“It’s always great to speak to young people, raising awareness of spinal injuries and encouraging them to believe in themselves and help others. This money will go towards vital research and support for other people with spinal injuries.”

Headmaster, Andrew Earnshaw, commented: “We’re delighted with our pupils’ enthusiasm to raise money for the charity. We were all captivated by Claire’s talk last term and have really enjoyed the chance to support the work of the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

“The children, their families and the staff here did a sterling job with fundraising. After some show-stopping dance numbers and delicious bakes, £6,275 is an amount they can all be immensely proud of.”