June 1, 2026 07:14am
Our team from Little Thinkers here at Meon Way Federation recently laced up their trainers and raised over £900 for Cancer Research U.K. after completing the Portsmouth Pretty Muddy® 5k run.
In honour of a young child connected to our nursery, the team decided to tackle the run for the second time to celebrate her incredible bravery during treatment.
The Pretty Muddy® is no ordinary 5k as it sees participants climb, crawl and tackle their way through various obstacles, helping to raise vital funds and awareness to fund life-saving treatment.
Spectators cheered the team on as they braved the mud, tackling the challenge with a real sense of purpose.
Despite being pushed to their limits, the team embodied true team spirit, supporting each other all the way for a cause very close to their hearts.
Their fundraising page saw over £900 contributed from parents, families and members of the local community, including Gift Aid donations. Kate Aylward, Manager of Little Thinkers at Meon Way Federation, outlined the importance of taking on the challenge.
“As a team, we decided to do it because one of the children we cared for contracted a very rare type of cancer. During her treatment, she lost her hair, a lot of weight and a year of school but never lost her smile.
“We’ll forever be in awe of her, and we all have our personal stories of how cancer has affected us. We ran for her, her amazing family, and all children who face cancer”.
This phenomenal effort highlights the positive role our staff play in inspiring young minds and is a powerful example of Meon Way Federation’s commitment to a healthy body and mind.
Their achievement also shows our children how to develop courage and resilience to face challenges in the world around us.
Mrs S. Paine, Executive Headteacher at Meon Way Federation, expressed her pride in our Little Thinkers team for demonstrating why kindness, compassion, and teamwork are so important.
“What our amazing Little Thinkers staff have done is truly incredible and they are shining examples of being their best self by completing this challenge.
“Cancer affects all of us directly or indirectly, and the fact the team did it for an inspiring young girl from our nursery brings it home even more. These generous donations from so many people will go such a long way in supporting so many young people and adults who are suffering”.
The Little Thinkers mission is to light up learning by developing good learning habits and nurturing relationships with young children.
The staff are key in bringing this mission to life, as they become powerful role models at such an important time for children’s development.
Donations are still welcome if anyone would like to still contribute via the teams dedicated fundraising page.
We’re incredibly proud of our amazing Little Thinkers team who continue to inspire others and demonstrate the power of compassion and community spirit beyond the walls of our nursery.