After the difficult time we have all had over the past few months, staff and pupils at Stepaside CP?School wanted to add a little colour to everyone’s day, and were delighted when they were able to hold their second annual Rainbow Run on Thursday (May 13).

Organised by Mrs. Blewitt, class teacher at the school, with the support of school admin officer Mrs. Williams, the event involved the whole school community and beyond.

“All staff including our cleaner and caretakers, school cook and lollipop lady joined in with governers and registered volunteers to make this day happen for the children!” said Mrs. Blewitt.

“Pupils had busily gathered sponsorship from their family and friends and all pulled together to raise in excess of £2,600.

“We are so grateful to everyone for the part they played,” she continued.

Fantastic prizes for the highest fundraisers were donated by - Bluestone, Broadway Mansion Laugharne, Heatherton World of Adventures, Folly Farm, Co-op Kilgetty, 1 Formula Fitness, Kilgetty Fish Bar and Nails by Natasha and Twisted Tangles.

These were added to hampers and vouchers donated by staff and parents.

The weather threatened the afternoon but and the sun didn’t show up but unperturbed, if a little chilly, runners turned out in their white T-shirts, colourful accesories and sunglasses to take part.

In a slightly adjusted format due to class bubbles, the Rainbow Run kicked off at 1.30 pm with pupils and staff gathering in the centre of the school field for class photos under the balloon arch.

After running through the colourful arch each class ran to their first station. Rainbow Runners then set off around five circuits of the school field, stopping at stations around the track where staff and governors scattered a rainbow of colours over the them.

Each pupil was pesented with a beautiful rainbow run medal, inscribed with the name of the School.

The medals had been purchased pre the first school closure last year so they are dated 2020 as a memory of the things we all went through together as a school.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we have received to make this event possible, especially under the difficult circumstances we still find ourselves in at schools,” said headteacher Mr. Paul Harries.

“From the generosity of the sponsors to the local companies for their support and even the powder supplier for their amazing help and advice.

“We never dreamed we would raise so much money and we are delighted to have surpassed our target.

“We are so grateful to the many sponsors that the children signed up and for their generosity.

“The aim of the run was to allow the children to have fun, be outdoors and create a lasting happy memory.

“The money we have raised will be so helpful as we further develop the learning experiences we can offer the children here at Stepaside CP School.”

This year the school invited families to raise money together and were delighted to award prizes from sponsors to the top fundraisers.

Prizes went to children across all of the classes and represented the school’s broad and diverse catchment area.

Prizes were awarded - to Charlie and Archie, the Scale, Sharp, Shields, Mansell, Probert and Blewitt families, Aimee, Phoenix, Madeleine, Maci, Lucy, Katie, Merryn and Summer.

Their efforts along with those of every child in the school was rewarded with a fun inflatable assault course at school the following day, in their class bubbles of course!

“It’s fantastic that the school have been able to safely organise and carry out this event,” said Chair of Governors, Claire Gottwaltz.

“We as governors are grateful for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the pupils don’t miss out on such expereinces as well as ensuring that their learning is continuous and engaging.

“Events like this help to pull the community together and celebrate the fantastic efforts of all of our pupils.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to staff, pupils and parents for their hard work during these most strange circumstances,” she added.