A SOUTHAMPTON school is adding Race for Life Schools to the timetable for the summer term.

St Mary’s CE Primary School is hosting a special event on the school’s playing fields tomorrow as part of the Race for Life Schools programme.

Around 588 pupils, aged from 3 to 11-years-old, will take part in the event to raise money for life-saving research. The event will be staged in line with official guidance for schools during the Covid-19 outbreak.

To help the pupils prepare, teachers have been using a resource kit created by Cancer Research UK which includes everything they need to hold their own Race for Life Schools event, such as fundraising tips, posters and medals for every pupil taking part.

Sandra Miller, Interim Head teacher at St Mary’s C E Primary School, said: “Hosting a Race for Life event is a great opportunity for us. We’re really looking forward to taking part. The whole school community is supporting the event so it will be a real team effort and a great day for our pupils, staff and parents, all whilst raising money for an important cause.

“Sadly, most of us know someone who has been touched by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people survive.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help fund vital research.

Schools across the UK are being invited to hold their own Race for Life events in aid of the charity. The event can be on any day, at any place, and any distance that suits the age and abilities of all pupils.

Cancer Research UK's Sarah Pickersgill added: “Organising a Race for Life Schools event is a fantastic way to have fun, whilst raising money for a good cause."