PUPILS have given up their lunch money turned out their pockets to support a Catholic agency committed to fighting poverty in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Students at St Joseph’s Catholic College raised £456 for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development by saving the money they would normally have spent at lunchtime.

The fundraising took place the week before their English teacher Teresa Ash ran the Swindon Half Marathon in aid of CAFOD’s work. having only taken up running in January.

CAFOD’s Harvest appeal focused on supporting refugees in the Middle East and Europe and children affected by crime in El Salvador.

Liz Vincent, the head of student support, said: “Our students feel the work of CAFOD, bringing hope and compassion to poor communities and working towards ending poverty and injustice, is very important.

“The whole college takes part in both the harvest and Lent CAFOD fast days each year.

“That some of the Harvest Fast Day money is going towards supporting CAFOD partners responding to the refugee crisis is important to students who have been discussing this issue in citizenship lessons and took part in a day of prayer in September for refugees.”

Teresa, who raised £800, finished Sunday’s race in two hours, 27 minutes.

Liz Baldwin, CAFOD coordinator in Swindon, said: “Every young person has the right to live without fear.

“Growing up in a peaceful environment is more than just growing up away from conflict, it is about us having safe spaces to go to school, make friends, and achieve our full potential.

“We would like to say a huge thanks to all the students at St Joseph’s. Their generosity is helping to bring about a bit more peace in the world.”

More information about CAFOD’s Harvest appeal can be found at cafod.org.uk/harvest