A County Durham councillor is running 100 miles in 24 hours to fundraise for a new school playground.
Kyle Genner, Reform member for Bowburn and Coxhoe ward, has teamed up with parent George Hesler to take on the challenge as part of efforts to replace the deteriorating play equipment at Kelloe Primary School.
Parents have warned that children are missing out on exercise and activities due to the current limited outdoor facilities. Campaigners are working towards a £35,000 fundraising target to fund the new equipment.
An online campaign set up by the Friends of Kelloe School (FOKS) group is fundraising alongside Cllr Genner’s challenge, which is due to finish on Sunday, 2 November.
“We want kids to be able to be physically active, play, and enjoy themselves,” said Cllr Genner.
A keen runner, the Reform councillor hopes the fundraising attempt will raise awareness of the need for improvements. He has also pledged to invest £5,000 from his councillor budget.
“In Kelloe, the people feel unrepresented and left behind and people want to be heard. For me, it is an opportunity to make them feel like somebody cares and is willing to fight for them.”
The small village school, which has around 95 pupils, is unable to fully fund the new facilities due to a limited budget.
A statement from FOKS said: “Our children deserve a place to play safely, learn through movement, and grow with joy. Right now, they simply don’t have that.
“Every penny will go directly towards replacing unsafe structures and surfacing, installing fun and engaging play equipment, and creating a welcoming community space for everyone.
Campaigners hope to make the new equipment available to the public for two nights per week.
FOKS said: “The school has very limited outdoor facilities, and our pupils are missing out on the joy, freedom, and development that come from active play and outdoor learning. We want to change that, to give them a space that inspires movement, imagination, and community spirit.”
