A SIXTH former from Malvern has organised a gruelling 12-hour non-stop running event to raise money for a local charity.

Linnea Gannon, in year 12 at Malvern St James, organised the Tough Schools Race which 46 people, including girls, staff and families ran, walked and cartwheeled.

She came up with the idea after working with Malvern Special Families as part of her involvement with MSJ’s Charity Committee, and was inspired by how physical exercise can help people psychologically.

The event raised £550 for Malvern Special Families, which helps children and young people with disabilities.

She said: "The event was a success, with a build-up of excitement before, during and after the race.

"I wanted to leave a mark on MSJ and with the help of all those who supported Tough Schools, I feel I have done that.

"MSJ has given me the opportunity to grow and reach beyond the boundaries of A-levels."

Linnea organised the event for her extended project qualification (EPQ), a qualification open to girls in year 12 which is worth 50 per cent of an AS level.

Dr Rebecca Jones, learning enrichment and support co-ordinator and librarian, said the qualification gave students the chance to flex their research, enquiry and curiosity muscles.

She said: "Project qualifications are incredibly flexible and enable our girls to pick a topic they are passionate about and decide how they want to pursue it.

"The girls can write an extended essay or produce a written report or an artefact, which can be a piece of art, website, short film or a podcast.

"Students learn how to reference and utilise a range of resources effectively including databases that are similar to those at universities."

The Tough Schools Race took place on Saturday, March 18 at the MSJ sports field.