Eilidh to grow the extra mile!
Pupil’s marathon challenge... for a polytunnel
A Perthshire school pupil is going the extra mile to help her classmates.
Eilidh Robertson has taken it upon herself to raise enough money to provide a polytunnel for Muthill Primary School.
The eight-year-old has set herself a marathon sponsorship challenge and has been in training for the past few months.
Eilidh, who is in P4, explained: “On the February 17, I am doing ‘Challenge Eilidh’ covering a marathon distance – five miles of running and 10 miles cycling at Loch Leven, then 11 miles riding my pony at Strathallan Castle – to raise money to buy my school a polytunnel.”
Eilidh is part of the outdoor learning and gardening committees at the Strathearn school and would like to see somewhere to grow things installed.
At the moment, pupils are limited to a small greenhouse made of recycled plastic bottles in the traditional playground.
Eilidh said: “Our school only has a concrete playground so we can’t grow many things.
“My friend, Melissa McCabe in primary three, and I have already raised some money by having crafts stalls and having a sweetie raffle.
“A few of my school friends are going to join me for the cycling part of the challenge and I have persuaded two of my teachers to run with me.
“I have been training every day since Christmas, either running or cycling and I ride my pony, Aurora, every day too so she will be fit enough.”
Eilidh’s target is £800 to buy a polytunnel, plants and equipment.
She added: “I would love a polytunnel so our gardening club can grow more plants and vegetables and fruit. It will be a great outdoor learning space for everyone in our school.”
As well as her marathon challenge, Eilidh is also organising a pyjama day at school and a coffee morning.
To find out more, see how the determined youngster’s training is going or link to her fundraising page by looking up ‘Challenge Eilidh’ on Facebook.
Eilidh Robertson, a pupil at Muthill Primary School