Parents to run half-marathon to raise cash for Lewisham school

Parents of primary school children have been forced to fundraise money for essential items that the school cannot afford.

The Adamsrill Primary School in Adamsrill Road, Lewisham, is the former school to MP for Lewisham West and Penge, Ellie Reeves, and needs books and equipment for the library, but the school’s funding has reached what parents called a “crisis point”.

Parents are now trying to do their bit by running in the Vitality Big Half Marathon on March 1.

Known as the Adamsrill Runners, the parents have been training every week to hit their target of £3,000.

One of the parents, Anne Wakefield from Sydenham, said: “Funding in schools is at an incredible low.

“I work in schools and have seen the steady decline in resources. School repairs. And most importantly valuable staff over the last few years.

“Being a parent I realise it is more and more important to be part of the school community and as an avid runner I thought this is a way I could help.

“Adamsrill is an amazing school and has helped support so many children who have passed through the gates.

“These children deserve to have engaging literature and an inspiring space to read and learn. This is why I am running the half-marathon and started up Adamsrill Runners.”

Another parent, Kevin Barrett, said: “I started running to try to lose a few pounds and now having the opportunity to help the school gain some pounds is fantastic.

“At a time when funding in education is falling, it is great that parents are rallying round to do what they can to help.

“It’s nice to feel more involved with the school and the local community.

“Having a group of fellow runners as a support network when the training is a struggle is pretty cool too.”

So far the runners have raised £1,474.

Adamsrill Primary school headteacher, Dr Eko, said: “Adamsrill Primary school is an inclusive community school.

“We work in partnership with our school community to enhance our pupils’ learning experiences.

“Our parents are dedicated and regularly give up their time and resources to support the work of our school and for that, we are indeed grateful.

“Aside from teaching and learning we are very keen to nurture a community which embraces all our differences and similarities but at the same time challenges us to be the best that we can.

“Having supportive parents makes our job a lot lighter and enables us to grow our pupils’ cultural capital.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank Adamsrill Runners, Friends of Adamsrill and all our parents for their passion and support.

You can donate to Adamsrill Runners through their Just Giving page here.

Pictured top are the Adamsrill runners and their children.