Fife pupils' plea for help bears oodles of fruit

Successfully organised by four young ambassadors for sport at the school the full day and night event – due to finish today (Friday) at 4pm – was dependent on food donations to keep the pupils going after expending 24 hours of energy.

However. the pupils were let down at the 11th hour and a desperate plea was issued to the town by active schools co-ordinator Caitlyn Mackie.

She said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances the Sports Ambassadors who had organised food for all those taking part in the 24 hour Sportathon have been let down and need you help.”

Offers of food and drink poured in from businesses across St Andrews as the town rallied to ensure the children, who are raising money for Motor Neurone Disease and the Mr G Fundraising effort, had enough sustenance to keep their energy up during the 24 hour event.

An immediate response from Sue Woodcock, St Andrews community champion from Morrisons, saw healthy snacks, some chocolate shaped morale boosters and water flood in.

“We are extremely grateful to Ian Jones, manager at Sainsbury’s, who handed over a £50 gift voucher to Stephen Docherty and Brynja Duthie to spend in store towards feeding the pupils taking part in the Sportathon,” continued Caitlyn as more donations piled in.

Organisers also thanked Nando’s St Andrews who came forward and offered to nourish the hungry Sportathon athletes with some hot chicken wings and chips. Pret A Manger added more supplies and Tesco food manager Daryl Higgins and Gillian Cunningham, store manager, also offered to deliver food and drink to the event.

Much needed hot drinks were supplied by St Andrews University Student Union. An independent Cellardyke bakery, G H Barnett and Sons, donated sandwiches and donuts and the Tailend offered more than just a poke of chips!

Caitlyn said: “What an amazing community we live in, coming forward and supporting the students of Madras, Mr G and MND research.

“Thank you everyone who has offered to help. It is very much appreciated.”

Abbie Hendry, Stephen Doherty, Eva Innes and Rebekka Miller organised the Sportathon to help promote healthy lifestyles while simultaneously raising money for Motor Neurone Disease research and former teacher Mr Donald ‘D’ Grewar, who suffers from the disease. As part of the mammoth challenge participants took part in a programme of team sports such as netball, football and volleyball, which have run almost continuously throughout the 24 hour period.