Portsmouth nursery staff raise over £900 for Cancer Research, inspired by young girl

A team of staff from a Portsmouth nursery took on the Pretty Muddy 5k in honour of a young girl battling cancer. 

Raising over £900, the team, from Little Thinkers at Meon Way, based at Meon Infant School on Shelford Road, Milton, came together to take on the challenge after a girl they once cared for contracted a rare type of cancer. 

Donations came from families, friends, and community members, highlighting the strong support behind the team’s efforts. 

The Pretty Muddy 5k sees participants tackle a series of obstacles on a mud-filled course as spectators cheer them on to the finish line. Covered in mud, the team crossed the finish line together.  

Kate Aylward, manager of the Little Thinkers nursery, spoke more about the reasoning for taking on the challenge. 

“As a team, we decided to do it because one of the children we cared for contracted a very rare type of cancer. During her treatment, she lost her hair, a lot of weight and a year of school but never lost her smile. 

“We’ll forever be in awe of her, and we all have our personal stories of how cancer has affected us. We ran for her, her amazing family and all children who face cancer”. 

Little Thinkers are a registered charity and part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. Their staff are committed to a unique learning approach where modern toys are removed from the learning environment, and imaginative play is encouraged. 

The team hope their efforts will demonstrate to children the importance of resilience and teamwork during challenges times, through a self-reflective thinking process. 

Sara Paine, executive headteacher for Meon Way Federation, expressed her pride in the Little Thinkers team and how the impact of the money raised is so significant. 

“What our amazing Little Thinkers staff have done is truly incredible and they are shining examples of being their best self by completing this challenge. 

“Cancer affects all of us directly or indirectly, and the fact the team did it for an inspiring young girl from our nursery brings it home even more. These generous donations from so many people will go such a long way in supporting so many young people and adults who are suffering”. 

The team’s efforts reflect the values of kindness, resilience and looking out for others which they promote every day in their work with young children. 

Their achievement demonstrates how determination and teamwork makes a real difference to children in Portsmouth and the wider community. 

Their fundraising link is still live and are grateful for any further donations via this link.