This December, local primary school Dunston St Peter’s C of E are taking part in St Barnabas Hospice’s festive fundraiser Rudy’s Run for the fourth year in a row.
The fundraiser is an opportunity to have some festive fun whilst making a difference to those in the local community this Christmas. On a date of choice, pupils can run, dance or prance as they take part in their very own Rudy’s Run whilst raising vital funds for Hospice care in Lincolnshire.
Mrs Popple, a beloved teacher, was described by staff members as the beating heart of the school, with an infectious personality and wicked sense of humour.
Before her sudden death in the summer of 2022, Mrs Popple trailblazed fundraising initiatives for St Barnabas Hospice; a charity that meant a lot to the school, and her personally.
Dunston primary school have previously taken part in the Hospice’s Young at HeART initiative and even hosted a ‘Dunston’s Got Talent’ competition, all in aid of raising money for local hospice care.
Abigail Burland, a teacher at the primary school, says: “Mrs Popple really loved getting involved with Rudy’s run! It is a firm favourite with the children and raises funds for a charity very close to our hearts.
“It is a brilliant way for us to make a difference to those in the local community whilst honouring Mrs Popple and the activities she enjoyed with the children.”
St Barnabas Hospice provide everything you need to take part including Rudy’s accessories, letters to send to parents, a guide to set up a Just Giving page, and an activity pack.
Abigail continues: “We love taking part in Rudy’s Run especially when we get a visit from Rudy himself. Even the teachers get involved by dressing up for the run!
“We enjoy the silliness of it all and the chance to shake off the winter cold with a fun run around the playground with Rudy. Sometimes we even challenge ourselves to see who can be the fastest.”
It is completely free to sign up to St Barnabas’ festive fundraiser, with the Hospice asking that each child taking part aims to raise £3.
Abigail says: “Our community have had first-hand experience of the vital support and care that St Barnabas provide. We absolutely encourage other schools to join Rudy’s Run and raise money for such a great cause.”
St Barnabas is an independent, local charity that supports over 12,000 patients, their families, and carers each year. Every pound raised truly matters to the Hospice, who give their sincere thanks to all children, parents, teachers and staff members for their generous support.
To sign up your school, preschool, nursery, or community group to Rudy’s Run today and join over 8,000 other participating children across Lincolnshire, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun/