Inspired by Captain Tom
A Billingshurst family inspired by Captain Tom Moore has thanked everyone for the support they received while tackling 100 laps to raise funds.
A Billingshurst family received ‘phenomenal support’ when they completed 100 laps of their neighbourhood at the weekend.
And the family – inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore – raised more than £1,500 for Billingshurst Primary School from their efforts.
Abi and Chris Smith – along with children Lily, 11, Henry, eight and five-yearold Tommy – started their 100 laps, amounting to 60 miles, at 7am on Saturday, finishing at 4pm.
“We then finished the remaining 30 laps in record time on Sunday, in just under three hours,” said Abi. “The children were incredible, they kept on going! More importantly, the support was just phenomenal. People were so generous with their time by coming out to wave or cheer us on from their driveways.
“And the donations we collected in person on Saturday and Sunday was mind blowing.
“We have raised over £1,500 for the school – donations are still coming in online – collecting nearly £1,000 of that in cash in our bucket which had a handy two-metre pole attached to it, kindly donated by the Lions for us to use.”
She added: “People donated chocolates and biscuits and cards as well, giving the children a real boost and kept them going, lap after lap.
“We have had an incredible weekend and are just in awe of people’s kindness and generosity.
“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us, who cheered us and who donated – the support has been unbelievable.”
Abi said they had been inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore who gained nationwide love when he marked his 100th birthday by walking laps of his garden raising £33 million for the NHS.