PRIMARY school pupils leapt into action on National Skipping Day to ensure a merry Christmas for children across the north west.

Pupils at Egerton Primary School completed a skipping challenge to raise money for The Toy Appeal, a charity which has provided sacks of toys to underprivileged children at Christmas since 2013.

The pupils usually donate the toys and help to make up the sacks themselves, but were unable to do so due to coronavirus.

The challenge involved pupils skipping non-stop for 10 minutes, with family and friends sponsoring them for their efforts.

Knutsford Guardian:

Children take part in the skipping challenge

Headteacher Alison Hooper said: “Coming up to Christmas we’re looking at a projection of five million children in poverty, and that’s outrageous in this country.

“If we can do something to make a difference we should. I went around and spoke about the issue to every class, from reception through to year 6, and they really got fired up by it.

“I had no expectations at all of what we would raise. The money is kind of a bonus, because it’s important for the children to learn about social justice.”

The impressive £1,433 raised as a result of the challenge is enough to buy almost 60 sacks of toys.

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The success of the challenge comes at the perfect time for The Toy Appeal, which has received 25 per cent more requests for sacks of toys than last year, and is expecting to need 6,100 sacks to meet demand.

Founder Dee Drake said: “I love how people haven’t let Covid-19 stop them helping others, especially our charity, which has been so impacted by being unable to accept toys this year.

“This amazing fundraising from Egerton Primary School will go such a long way.”

To learn more about The Toy Appeal or make a donation visit thetoyappeal.com.