A Wigan school’s dream of getting a new minibus for its special needs pupils is to be fulfilled after a final charitable surge from a Wigan dad.

Hope School and College, based at both Marus Bridge and Norley, desperately needs a new vehicle to transport students and enrich their lives.

All sorts of money-spinning events have been held over recent months, mainly organised by staff member Sarah Paton, to get towards the £19,000 target.

But they were still some way off until Gareth Gillard, whose son Joseph attends the school, came in with a cheque for £6,200 that he raised by running the Manchester Half-Marathon with several relatives.

Gareth Gillard (back left) with his son in front of him and joined by other family members as the monster cheque is presented to Hope School and College

placeholder image — Gareth Gillard (back left) with his son in front of him and joined by other family members as the monster cheque is presented to Hope School and College

He and other amily members came to the school to present a large cheque.

Head of primary Kathryn Stazicker said: “We are very lucky to have parents, carers and families who have contributed towards our school mission of raising money to purchase a school minibus to enrich the lives of the young people who attend Hope School and College.

"One of those parents has gone to amazing lengths and we are forever grateful – Gareth Gillard – together with some family members who ran the Manchester half-marathon and then also gained further support from his friends and colleagues to raise an amazing £6,200 towards the cost of our new school minibus.

"This big cheque took us over the target and we can now look forward to purchasing the vehicle which will make so much of a difference.”

Other minibus fund-raising events organised by Ms Paton have included sponsored cycling activities and danceathons.