26 Pupils from Churchtown Primary School, took on the London mini marathon route this weekend, running alongside their teachers and school staff in one of the most meaningful days in the school’s history.

The TCS Mini London Marathon invites schools to run, jog, walk, or wheel one mile or 2.6K in the heart of the capital. The event is free to enter and the mini marathon sponsor, TCS, gives schools £10 for every pupil who finishes the event.

The team raised more than £3,300 in sponsorship, with donations continuing to come in throughout the week leading up to the event.

Among those who took part was Sergio Da Silva Aguiar, whose daughter Alice was one of three children killed in the Southport attack.

He ran the full marathon alongside Churchtown headteacher Jinnie Payne and other school members of staff, raising funds for the Alice’s WonderDance charity. They were also joined by other staff members from other schools across the Endeavour Learning Trust family.

Their participation reflected the deep connection between the school and the Southport community.

Jinnie Payne, headteacher of Churchtown Primary, said:

“Saturday was an incredibly emotional and proud day for everyone at Churchtown Primary. Our children ran with such heart and determination, and to do so alongside Sergio made it something none of us will ever forget.

“The support from our families and the wider Southport community has been overwhelming, and we are so grateful to everyone who sponsored our pupils and cheered them on.”

All members of staff who accompanied the children on the trip also ran the mini marathon route, with the whole group completing the course together.

Alice’s WonderDance, a charity which was set up by Alice’s parents, commented:

“The pupils are running in honour of their friend Alice, making this moment incredibly special for all of us. We are so grateful to the TCL London Marathon for giving them this wonderful opportunity.

“As this would have been Alice’s final year in primary school, it means so much to see her friends come together to honour her in such a meaningful way.”

Churchtown Primary’s fundraising page remains open and can be seen here.