Endeavour has marked a weekend of celebration as its staff completed the London and Blackpool Marathons, raising over £350,000 for the new Churchtown school playground.
On Friday, the trust was shortlisted for ‘Trust Team of the Year’ at the Tes Awards, described as the ‘Oscars of education’.
Five runners, including Churchtown Headteacher Jinnie Payne and other Trust staff, ran alongside Sergio Aguiar, Alice’s dad, in the London Marathon, honouring the memory of his daughter and Bebe, two much-loved Churchtown pupils who tragically lost their lives in the Southport attack last year. Their run was supported by colleagues taking part in the Blackpool Festival of Running, as well as activities across the Lancashire schools including a danceathon at Strike Lane Primary School, cake sales and a relay event which linked all the schools across the trust.
Thanks to the fundraising efforts of staff and pupils across the Endeavour schools, the Churchtown Playground will now become a reality, with any remaining funds donated to local charities to support those affected by the tragedy.
David Clayton, CEO of Endeavour Learning Trust, commented: “Our trust has come together over the past days, weeks and months in a way which is unparalleled. The community spirit our pupils and staff have shown to each other has been truly heartwarming.
“We are incredibly proud of everyone who ran, fundraised, volunteered or supported in any way. Together, we have turned hope into action, and we look forward to celebrating even more milestones as the new playground becomes a reality.”