There was good cause for cake, when our caring pupils organised a bake sale in aid of the East Anglia Air Ambulance (EAAA), raising more than £165 for the organisation.

The 29 Year 4 children at Clenchwarton Primary organised the fundraiser as part of the EAAA Challenge Badge scheme, inspired by our school’s first-hand experience of the service’s vital role.

“Two years ago, a parent suffered a cardiac arrest at pick up time,” explained Year 4 Class Teacher Michelle Ryan. “Two members of staff assisted with CPR, and the EAAA arrived to get him immediate care and took over. Due to their efforts, the parent survived and has made a full recovery.

“The partner of the man asked if there was something we could do to raise money for the EAAA. We discovered that they had just started doing the Challenge Badge activities for children, so we started the activities, and completed it between December 2023 and July 2024.”

The Challenge has since been undertaken by each subsequent Year 4 cohort at our school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, with this year’s group successfully completing a range of activities.

“They have held a cake sale, raising a whopping £165.30; they have made helicopter models; have undertaken research about the EAAA; have created alternative uniform designs; and have created and completed word searches related to the EAAA,” continued Mrs Ryan.

“The whole of Year 4 took part in the EAAA Cake Sale. They provided cakes, sold the cakes, and decorated the stall with bunting and price tags.”

There was also the opportunity for the pupils to learn life-saving skills, thanks to a visit from Andrew Coldecott from the EAAA, who taught them how to act in an emergency, including shouting for help, calling 999 or 112, providing CPR, and using the recovery position.

“They learnt CPR, and our current Year 5 and 6 classes, who have previously completed the Challenge Badge, also had refresher CPR training,” said Mrs Ryan, who is now leading the pupils on a further fundraising challenge, as they prepare to take part in the Great East Anglia Run on 3 May.

“I have run GEAR three times, last year for the EAAA when I raised just over £800,” she added.

“For the Mini Run, I am expecting 29 children to run from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. We aim to raise at least £500 – but secretly, hopefully, want to beat last year’s £800.”

To support Mrs Ryan and the Mini GEAR runners, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/michelle-ryan-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=W