STUDENTS in Stourport raised £2,600 by donning festive gear at a sponsored run for the Millbrook Suite.

Year eight pupils at Stourport High School organised the event after parent, Linda Jennings, suggested supporting the appeal, inspired by her friend who is battling breast cancer.

All 232 students and nine teachers in the year took part in the four-mile run on Wednesday last week, having gathered sponsorship money from family and friends.

Director of learning for year eight, Baneesha Bhatoe, said: “It was amazing. I loved it and I am really proud of my year group.

“They were very committed, even though it was cold and drizzling. The atmosphere was buoyant and the students enjoyed themselves so much that many covered eight or nine miles instead of the four that had been planned.”

Student, Ryan Stringer, got into the spirit by running the 16 laps of the school’s athletics track in a full Santa costume.

Mrs Jennings asked the school to raise cash for the Millbrook Appeal after her friend, Nikki Usowicz, generated £4,000 at a sponsored head shave in Bewdley.

Ms Usowicz was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and has received chemotherapy at the Millbrook Suite.