HUNDREDS of youths pounded the field for Cancer Research UK as Isambard School took on its own version of the Race for Life last month.

Around 800 children, from Years 7 to 10, took part in the event on June 22, which was held as part of Arts Week, and helped to raise more than £520 for the charity.

Mrs Natalie Chapman, head of event organisers Water House, who organised the event, said: “Every year at Isambard School we have an Arts Week because we’re an arts academy, where we have a number of different events and some charity fundraising, which are all organised by the heads of houses.

“Cancer Research is one of our house charities and it’s something that is quite close to my heart personally, so we thought we would do a Race For Life.”

In tutor groups, students each took turns to run a lap of the field — equivalent to 0.6km — and youngsters who completed three laps received a medal for their efforts.

“All the years took part, except the Year 11 who had left by that point,” said Mrs Chapman.

“The boys were more competitive about it and the girls just wanted to be able to take part.

“There was one girl who even did it on crutches because she wanted to be involved.”

While money for the event is still trickling in, the school hopes to be in a position to donate the funds at the end of the month hand over a big cheque to Cancer Research UK by the end of term.

“A lot of my family and friends have been affected in one way or another by cancer, “said Mrs Chapman, “so it was just something we wanted to support.

“The work they do is so good, too.

“We were really proud of all the children’s efforts.

“With all the money we’ve raised for Cancer Research during the year we hope to be able to give them a big cheque at the end of the year.”

To show your support and sponsor the students who took part, donate online at: www.justgiving.com/isambardschool