A local hero has raised over £1,700 for a local Special Educational Needs (SEN) school.

Teaching assistant Kerry Meade has run five kilometres per day for the past half-year, to raise money for Valley School, Bramhall, which cares for pupils aged between 2 and 11 with a range of complex and severe learning difficulties.

Kerry started running in January, launching a fundraiser in May. She completed the final run of her fundraiser in Torkington Park on 30 June, having covered five kilometres every day since the beginning of 2023.

Only a month ago, Kerry had raised just under £1,000 - since then, the money has increased almost twofold.

"I have been overwhelmed by the response", Kerry said. "I originally thought it would be nice to raise £100. I've been blown away and I can't thank people enough."

Kerry ran every day to raise money, including in the weekly Parkrun events; sometimes her children even tagged along on bikes or scooters. She encourages her colleagues to don their trainers, too.  

"Running every day has helped me", she says. "It can sometimes feel hard to get the motivation to get up and go, but it helps clear the mind, and you do feel great afterwards with the sense of achievement."

Valley School is a primary special school for pupils aged between 2 and 11 years with a range of complex and severe learning difficulties (Image - Google Maps)

Kerry has worked at Valley School since 2021, starting as a part time midday assistant. Within days, she said, she realised she needed to work there for longer. 

"I was soon doing supply as a teaching assistant before going full-time in June 2022 as a teaching assistant. 

"I get so much from working at Valley - it's a very special place, and I get so much job satisfaction."

Although Kerry herself is not involved with how the money will be spent, she is confident that the amount she has raised will help.

"SEN products tend to carry a higher price tag", she explains. Nonetheless, Valley School is fairly small, meaning the funds should make a very tangible difference.  

"I originally thought it would be nice to raise £100. I've been blown away, and I can't thank people enough."

Valley School's beliefs are outlined in the fundraiser description: "[We believe that] with the right help and support, children are capable of great progress, and we see evidence of this each day in our school.

"Valley School offers pupils an outstanding educational provision and a caring, safe and secure environment in which to reach their potential."

Kerry concludes by thanking her family, saying: "My family have been so supportive, and celebrated each month and milestone with me."

Friends, family, and colleagues flocked to Torkington Park on Friday (30 June) to cheer Kerry on during the final run of her fundraiser.

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