UPDATE: We have now completed the challenge....I can confirm that we made it safely to Newfoundland in the given time but will give a fuller update at the end of the week with exactly how far...

Thank you to those of you who have donated so far- we are thrilled to have made our fundraising target in supporting Portsmouth Foodbank. For those of you who have not yet donated, there is, of course, still plenty of time to do so.

From 23rd May, 16 tutors and two Heads of Year will be taking on an epic journey. The Middle School team will be attempting to cover the distance from Portsmouth Grammar School to Newfoundland, Canada- some 3935 km.

Over the course of a month the team will be running, cycling, walking, rowing- anything that can be measured safely whilst respecting current rules on social distance and exercise- in order to raise money for Portsmouth Foodbank. 

The Middle School team has always worked together very closely: our Common Room space acts as an important hub for staff as well as pupils, and we run a variety of fun events such as discos, the annual ski trip, our Little Canada adventure and, of course a number of charity  fundraisers. With this ethos in mind, each member of the team plans to contribute to the challenge in whatever way they possibly can, covering distances big or small using their own preferred method.

If we manage to complete the distance before a month is up we will keep count of kms covered and see if there are any other interesting landmarks we can get to. If we don't manage it, we will keep going and see how much longer after the month it takes. 

Finally, the serious bit: the coronavirus pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on foodbank services throughout the UK as more and more people find themselves in difficult financial positions as a result of the changing economic landscape. If you are able to, please do consider donating to support those most in need in our community.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.