Wigan school staff aim for 10 million steps for NHS and homelessness charity

School staff are certainly going the extra mile to raise money for the NHS and a Wigan charity supporting people in need.
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Around 50 teachers and other employees at Hawkley Hall High School are taking on a challenge to walk 10m steps in just three weeks.

They hope to raise more than £1,000 for the NHS and The Brick, which helps people who are homeless or facing financial difficulties.

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The fund-raiser was the idea of English teacher and head of year Chris Finch, who contacted headteacher Matthew Klinck about it.

Hawkley Hall High SchoolHawkley Hall High School
Hawkley Hall High School

Mr Klinck said: “Something we are acutely aware of is the importance of doing exercise and making sure you are staying mentally fit as well, despite the challenge of what’s going on. The idea was that it would be something that would get people active.

“We have put it out to the staff and we have had so far over 50 staff say they will get involved.

“The target was something we came up with together. We wanted it to be challenging but accessible, but I think we will go beyond that in terms of the steps.”

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Staff are aiming to cover the 10m steps in three weeks, by Monday, May 4, whether that is by going out for a walk once a day or doing activities in their homes.

Headteacher Matthew KlinckHeadteacher Matthew Klinck
Headteacher Matthew Klinck

People can do whatever they want but within the social distancing guidelines,” Mr Klinck said.

If they manage to reach their target, the cash raised could make a real difference during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Klinck said: “The NHS has been chosen because of the battle against coronavirus. We have raised money on a regular basis as a school for different charities. The NHS is one close to everybody’s hearts and it’s important to give it as much support as possible.

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“We have a history of supporting The Brick. I think the work they do locally is phenomenal to support vulnerable people. We did a campaign to get as many tins and things as possible late last year and we got absolutely hundreds of them.”

The Brick has experienced unprecedented demand for its services since the outbreak of the virus.

In the last three weeks, there has been a 295 per cent rise in demand for food parcels overall and a 348 per cent increase in the need for food parcels for children.

But the amount of food donated has dropped by 73 per cent, with its retail shops in Wigan and Leigh closed and fund-raising initiatives by supporters brought to an end.

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Donations to the school’s fund-raising appeal can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/1yz3nljkhc.

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